The Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved judgment in an appeal filed by David Mark, National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
Mark is challenging the jurisdiction of courts to intervene in what he argues are the internal affairs of his party.
A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Garba Mohammed, reserved its verdict after counsel for both parties adopted their written arguments. 
Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, representing David Mark, urged the court to allow the appeal. He cited the Supreme Court’s March 21, 2025 judgment, which held that no court has jurisdiction to entertain cases bordering on the internal affairs of political parties.
On that basis, Okutepa asked the apex court to rule that the Federal High Court in Abuja lacked jurisdiction to hear the suit concerning ADC’s internal matters.
Robert Emukpero, SAN, appeared for the 1st respondent, Nafiu Gombe. He urged the court to dismiss the appeal and affirm the lower court’s judgment.
The Court of Appeal had earlier dismissed Mark’s appeal challenging the Federal High Court’s jurisdiction. That suit, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, was filed by Bala against the ADC leadership.
In dismissing Mark’s appeal, the three-member appellate panel described it as premature and filed without the trial court’s leave. The court ordered the matter returned to the trial court for expeditious hearing and directed parties to maintain status quo.
Following the status quo order, the electoral umpire de-recognized the ADC leadership headed by Mark pending resolution of the case.
Dissatisfied with the appellate court’s ruling and its order to maintain status quo, Mark approached the Supreme Court. Instead of hearing preliminary motions, the apex court directed parties to file substantive briefs on the appeal.
After hearing arguments, Justice Garba announced that judgment has been reserved. A date will be communicated to parties later.
