By | Correspondent
Abuja | May 1, 2026
The Supreme Court verdict on the African Democratic Congress leadership dispute has given the David Mark-led leadership a major legal relief. But it has not ended the political and legal battle within the party.
That is the point ADC members, supporters and political observers must understand.
The apex court set aside the Court of Appeal’s order directing parties in the ADC leadership dispute to maintain status quo ante bellum. That order had affected the recognition of the David Mark-led leadership by the Independent National Electoral Commission. The Supreme Court held that the matter should return to the Federal High Court for hearing and determination.
In practical terms, the verdict removes an immediate obstacle against the David Mark-led structure. It restores a measure of administrative confidence. It also gives the leadership room to operate while the substantive case continues.
But it is not a final declaration on all issues in dispute.
The Supreme Court did not close the case at the Federal High Court. It did not erase the grievances of those challenging the emergence of the current leadership. It did not pronounce that every internal process that produced the leadership was beyond legal scrutiny.
This is why celebration should be measured.
Political parties often mistake interlocutory victories for final settlement. That mistake can be costly. A party that is still in court cannot behave like a party whose house is fully in order. It must still prepare for legal scrutiny, internal reconciliation and public accountability.
The ADC is now in a delicate position. The party has attracted national attention because of the profile of those associated with its current leadership. Former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola bring weight, experience and visibility to the party. But visibility can become a burden if internal cohesion remains weak.
A party seeking to position itself as an alternative platform cannot afford prolonged litigation over its own leadership. Nigerians are watching. INEC is watching. Rival parties are watching. Aspirants are watching. Members at state and local government levels are watching.
The real test for the ADC is not whether it can celebrate a Supreme Court ruling. The real test is whether it can build a stable, credible and legally defensible party structure before the next electoral cycle gathers full momentum.
The party must now do three things.
First, it must take the Federal High Court proceedings seriously. The case has not disappeared. The Supreme Court has only cleared the path for the substantive matter to continue. Any attempt to dismiss the pending suit as irrelevant could create another legal trap.
Second, it must pursue internal reconciliation. Court victories do not heal political wounds. Those who feel excluded, short-changed or ignored must be engaged. A party that wants to grow cannot build its future on unresolved bitterness.
Third, it must strengthen its internal processes. Congresses, conventions, notices, minutes, delegates’ lists and constitutional procedures must be clean. In party politics, documentation is power. Poor process can destroy strong ambition.
The ADC verdict should therefore be seen as an opportunity, not a coronation. It gives the David Mark-led leadership breathing space. It does not give the party licence to ignore the root causes of the dispute.
For a party that wants to expand its national relevance, the message is clear. Do not celebrate yet. Consolidate first.
The Supreme Court may have removed one legal barrier. But the political burden remains.
The ADC must now prove that it can manage power internally before asking Nigerians to trust it with power nationally.
