The Court of Appeal has affirmed the judgment of the Federal High Court restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or participating in any congresses organised by the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President David Mark.
In a judgment delivered on Monday, the appellate court dismissed the appeal filed by David Mark and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, describing it as lacking merit.
The appellate court upheld the earlier decision of the Federal High Court, which barred INEC from recognising the congresses conducted under the David Mark-led leadership pending the resolution of the dispute surrounding the party’s leadership.
In addition to dismissing the appeal, the Court of Appeal awarded costs of N10 million against David Mark and Aregbesola.
The ruling is regarded as a significant development in the ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC, as it reinforces the subsisting court order preventing INEC from recognising activities carried out by the faction led by David Mark.
The judgment is expected to have far-reaching implications for the party’s internal affairs and congresses or organisational activities pending the final resolution of the leadership dispute.
