Dumebi Kachikwu, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has dismissed claims by David Mark and Nafiu Bala to the party’s leadership, insisting neither has a legitimate mandate.
Kachikwu’s remarks come after Nigeria’s apex court weighed in on the internal dispute, directing both Mark—described as a factional national chairman—and Bala, a former national vice-chairman, to return to the Federal High Court for the substantive hearing of the case.
The ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria effectively sends the matter back for further judicial scrutiny, prolonging a leadership tussle that has exposed deep divisions within the party.
Kachikwu maintained that the court’s decision does not validate the claims of either contender, arguing instead that the directive underscores the need for proper legal determination of the dispute.
The case, which centres on who holds legitimate authority within the ADC, is expected to resume at the Federal High Court, where key issues surrounding party leadership and internal governance will be examined.
