Supreme Court ruling restores Senator David Mark's ADC leadership, shifts focus to 2027 elections

Claim 1 The Supreme Court's judgment restored the leadership of Senator David Mark on Thursday. Multiple news reports state that the court set aside an earlier order freezing the party’s leadership and reinstated the Mark‑led executive. No evidence contradicts this restoration.

Evidence The Supreme Court reinstated the leadership of ADC led by former Senate President David Mark, setting aside the earlier order that had frozen the party's leadership structure.

Verdict True.

Analysis Two independent news sources confirm that the Supreme Court’s judgment restored David Mark’s leadership, and no contradictory evidence was found.

Claim 2 The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, held that the Court of Appeal acted outside its jurisdiction by issuing an order after dismissing the appeal, describing the directive as unnecessary, unwarranted, and improper. The court unanimously described the directive as unnecessary, unwarranted, and improper, but it explicitly ruled that the Court of Appeal acted within its jurisdiction, rejecting the argument that it lacked authority.

Evidence The Supreme Court unanimously vacated the Court of Appeal's order, describing it as unnecessary, unwarranted, and improper, while refusing to entertain the jurisdiction argument.

Verdict Mixed.

Analysis Although the Court criticized the directive as unnecessary etc., it did not find the Court of Appeal acted outside jurisdiction, making the claim partially accurate.

Claim 3 The Supreme Court directed that the substantive issues be returned to the trial court for proper hearing and determination. Multiple sources confirm that the court ordered the leadership dispute to go back to the Federal High Court for a full hearing.

Evidence The Supreme Court ordered the return of the leadership dispute to the Federal High Court for determination, stating the matter must proceed at the trial court for full hearing.

Verdict True.

Analysis Both news sources affirm the Supreme Court’s directive to remit the case to the trial court, with no contradictory evidence.

What to watch next: how the ADC in Rivers State mobilizes grassroots structures and membership drives ahead of the 2027 general elections.