As apex court hears Mark’s appeal
THE opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) holds its much anticipated National Convention today in Abuja despite contrary position taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against the exercise.
The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, confirmed this to Nigerian Tribune on Monday.
This is coming after the completion of its Polling Unit, Ward, Local Government, and State Congresses which held between 7th and 11th April 2026.
The convention will equally hold on a day the Supreme Court will hear an appeal filed by Senator Mark, seeking an order staying the execution of the March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal.
The apex court, in a hearing notice with appeal number: SC/CV/180/2026 between Sen. Mark vs Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe and four others, said the proceeding is scheduled for April 14.
The hearing notice was sent to the parties in the case through the Litigation Department of the Supreme Court on Friday.
The hearing date also coincides with the date earlier fixed by the trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja.
Nigerian Tribune learnt that while the two cases will be coming up today, the lower court may step down the matter or adjourn its matter pending the hearing at the apex court, in line with the superiority of courts.
Mark, the appellant in the appeal, had named Hon Nafiu Bala Gombe, ADC, Rauf Aregbesola, Independent National Electoral Commission and Chief Ralph Nwosu as 1st to 5th respondents, respectively.
Mark, in the motion on notice filed by his lawyer, Realwan Okpanachi, prayed the court for an order of stay of execution of the appellate court’s judgment pending the hearing and determination of his appeal.
He also sought an order restraining INEC from acting on the Appeal Court’s judgment by recognising any person(s) other than him and the existing national officers of ADC, pending the hearing and determination of his appeal.
Mark, the former Senate president, further prayed the apex court for an order, restraining INEC from tampering with the national leadership structure of the party as presently constituted and represented by him, pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.
Besides, he sought an order staying further proceedings in suit number: FHC ABJ CS 1819 2025, pending before Justice Nwite, the trial judge, at FHC, pending the hearing and determination of his appeal at the apex court.
The motion on notice was brought by his lawyer pursuant to Sections 6(6)(a) and 233 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended); Order 4, Rule 1 of the Supreme Court’s Rules 7074 and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court.
INEC had, on April 1, removed the names of Mark and Aregbesola from its official portal and website as ADC’s national chairman and national secretary, respectively, following the Appeal Court’s judgement.
In reaction to INEC’s decision, Mark filed a motion on notice before Justice Nwite on April 7 by his new lawyer, Sulaiman Usman, SAN, praying the court to order the commission to restore their names as they were, prior to the institution of the suit by Gombe.
He also sought an order for accelerated hearing of the case and the judge fixed April 14 for hearing.
The Mark led ADC had approached the court of appeal, challenging the lower court’s jurisdictional power to hear the suit and the appellate court ordered the parties to go back to the trial court and maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the case.
Party gets alternative venue after Wike’s silence on Eagle Square
Meanwhile, the ADC has settled for Rainbow Event Center, located at Plot 1193A, Off Southern Parkway, Garki Area 8, Abuja, as the venue of its convention after its failure to secure the Eagle Square, Abuja from the authorities.
Nigerian Tribune learnt that a letter was presented to the Office of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, for a permit to use the Eagles Square. The letter, it was gathered, was acknowledged but no response.
The letter sighted by our reporter titled “Application for the Use of the Eagles Square Abuja for ADC National Convention” dated April 7, 2026 and was addressed to the FCT minister.
The letter signed by ADC National Organising Secretary, Prince Chinedu Idigo, read,
“ write to respectfully apply for the use the Eagles Square, Abuja, for the purpose of hosting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Convention scheduled to hold on the 14th of April 2026.
“The ADC National Convention is none elective convention that will bring together party delegates, stakeholders and observers from across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
“The choice of the Eagles Square is informed by its suitability in terms of capacity, accessibility, and security arrangements required for an event of this magnitude.
“I assure you that all necessary protocols will be strictly adhered to, including compliance with security guidelines, facility management rules, and restoration of the venue to its original condition after use, I am also prepared to meet all financial obligations and requirements as stipulated by the facility management.
“I kindly request your approval for the use of the facility on the stated date and any additional guidance necessary to facilitate a smooth arrangement.
“Please accept assurances of my highest regards.”
Thereafter, the ADC team were said to have also paid several visits to the Ministry of Sports officials at the MKO Stadium for the permission to use the Velodrome but were equally refused approval.
It was further learnt that privately owned event centers in Abuja also turned down the ADC requests for fears of harassments in various forms from the government.
In the meantime, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory on Monday dismissed claims that any political party was denied the usage of the Eagle Square, insisting that no formal application was submitted.
“Who denied them? I am not aware of any such development, and I don’t even know which party you are referring to. If it is the African Democratic Congress (ADC), such claims are their usual attempt to gain public sympathy,” Wike said.
He explained that the use of Eagle Square is subject to due process, which includes formal application through the Abuja Investments Company Limited, which is in charge of the facility and payment of required fees.
The minister also pointed out that the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome is not under the Federal Capital Territory Administration, but the Sports Commission.
“As we speak, no formal application has been submitted to the Abuja Investments Company Limited. When the APC used the venue and PDP used the Stadium Velodrome, they complied with the process. We do not deny anyone access if the rules are followed,” he added.
