Supreme Court Remands ADC Leadership Suit to Trial Court, Voids Status Quo Order

By Patrick Isaac

In a unanimous ruling on Thursday, Nigeria’s Supreme Court ordered parties in the Afri
can Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership dispute to return to the Federal High Court for resolution.

The apex court set aside the Court of Appeal’s order requiring parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum.

Justice Mohammed Garba, delivering the lead judgment, held that the appellate court erred by raising the issue sua sponte on its own, without any party’s request and issuing the preservative order.

Garba ruled it improper for the lower court to issue any such directive in a matter pending before the trial court.

“The directive made status quo ante bellum after striking out the appeal and issuing an accelerated hearing was unnecessary, unwarranted, and improper,” he stated.