The Supreme Court has vacated the order directing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the resolution of its leadership crisis.
Also, in a unanimous decision, supreme court held that the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal acted beyond its jurisdiction by issuing the order after dismissing the appeal filed by one of the factions.
The court described the order as “unnecessary, unwarranted and improper.”
It held that the appeal that was filed before it by Senator David Mark succeeded in part, even as it dismissed the aspect that challenged an ex parte order the Federal High Court made for service of processes in the suit filed by aggrieved members of the party.
Therefore, the apex court directed the factions to return to the trial court for continuation of hearing of the case.
Recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had removed Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its portal and website as ADC National Chairman and Secretary, respectively, on April 1, citing the Court of Appeal’s judgment.
Citing the status quo ante bellum order, the electoral body said it would not recognise any of the warring factions pending determination of the case.
