The Court of Appeal has upheld the judgment of the Federal High Court restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or participating in congresses organised by the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a judgment delivered on Monday, the appellate court dismissed the appeal filed by former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, describing it as lacking merit.
The court affirmed the earlier decision of the Federal High Court, which barred INEC from recognising the leadership structure produced under the disputed congresses pending the resolution of the legal issues surrounding the party’s leadership.
The appellate court held that the appeal failed to establish sufficient grounds to overturn the lower court’s decision, thereby reaffirming the validity of the Federal High Court’s orders.
In addition to dismissing the appeal, the Court of Appeal awarded ₦10 million in costs against Mark and Aregbesola.
The judgment represents a significant setback for the David Mark-led faction of the ADC, as it effectively prevents INEC from recognising or participating in any congresses conducted by the disputed leadership unless the court orders are set aside or overturned by a higher court.
The ruling is expected to further intensify the leadership crisis within the opposition party as the battle over control of the ADC continues in the courts.
