JUST IN: Supreme Court Victory: Okutepa Hails INEC for Swift Restoration of ADC Leadership
By OGB Joseph, Abuja
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Jibrin Okutepa, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for promptly restoring the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on its official portal following the Supreme Court judgment on the party’s leadership tussle.
Okutepa, who served as lead counsel to former Senate President David Mark in the legal dispute, praised INEC for acting without waiting to be formally served with the apex court’s judgment.
In a statement posted on his X handle, @sanjsokutepa, on Friday, the senior lawyer described the commission’s action as a rare demonstration of respect for the rule of law and constitutional order.
“I am a legal practitioner. I am not a registered member of any political party in Nigeria. I owe no allegiance to anybody except the truth, justice, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he stated.
Okutepa disclosed that after checking the INEC portal following Thursday’s Supreme Court ruling, it became evident that the electoral body had restored the names of the ADC leadership led by David Mark.
The Supreme Court had directed David Mark to return to the Federal High Court for the hearing and determination of substantive issues arising from the leadership dispute within the ADC.
The case stemmed from a suit filed by former ADC vice-chairman, Nafiu Bala, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, challenging the legitimacy of the Mark-led leadership of the party.
The defendants in the suit include the ADC, David Mark, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, INEC, and the party’s founder and former national chairman, Ralph Nwosu.
In a unanimous judgment delivered by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba, the apex court faulted the Court of Appeal for ordering parties to maintain the status quo, ruling that the appellate court acted outside its jurisdiction.
According to Okutepa, it was the Court of Appeal’s “status quo ante bellum” order that INEC relied upon in removing David Mark and members of his executive committee from its portal.
“The decision of the Supreme Court was clear. The appeal of Sen. David Mark was allowed in part. The order of the Court of Appeal for maintenance of status quo ante bellum was held to have been made without jurisdiction and was accordingly set aside,” he explained.
He added that INEC deserved commendation for immediately complying with the judgment despite not being formally served.
“INEC, as a corporate entity, accorded respect to the decision of the Supreme Court without pretending that it had not been formally served with the judgment. That is the right thing to do in the circumstances,” he stated.
Okutepa further lamented the widespread disregard for court orders by some public institutions and powerful individuals, describing the trend as dangerous to Nigeria’s democratic development.
“Too many in power have no respect for courts and court orders. In most cases, impunity reigns supreme in our land,” he said.
He, however, singled out INEC’s conduct in the ADC matter as an example of institutional responsibility and adherence to due process.
“On this particular occasion, I must commend INEC for the prompt restoration of the ADC leadership on its portal without waiting for letters from the legal team of Sen. David Mark,” he added.
The senior lawyer urged the electoral commission to remain courageous and committed to protecting Nigeria’s democracy through strict adherence to the rule of law.
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