BREAKING: Supreme Court vacates status quo ante bellum order in ADC leadership crisis

The Supreme Court has nullified the ruling of the Court of Appeal that directed parties involved in the leadership crisis of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to maintain the status quo ante bellum.

The appellate court had earlier dismissed an appeal filed by David Mark, who challenged the jurisdiction of Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to hear a suit instituted by Nafiu Gombe over the party’s leadership.

In its decision, the Court of Appeal held that Mark’s appeal was premature and filed without the required leave of the trial court. It subsequently ordered that the matter be returned to the lower court for accelerated hearing, while directing all parties to maintain the existing state of affairs.

Acting on that directive, the Independent National Electoral Commission withdrew recognition of the Mark-led leadership, pending the resolution of the dispute.

However, dissatisfied with the ruling, Mark approached the Supreme Court to challenge both the dismissal of his appeal and the order enforcing status quo ante bellum.

In its latest judgment, the apex court set aside the controversial directive, effectively removing the legal basis upon which INEC acted to de-recognise the party’s leadership.

The decision marks a significant turn in the ongoing legal tussle within the ADC, with the substantive case now expected to continue at the trial court for final determination.

More details are expected as proceedings unfold.