David Mark’s Lawyer Hails INEC On Restoration Of ADC Leadership

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria(SAN) and counsel to former senate president, David Mark, Jibrin Okutepa, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for swiftly restoring the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on its official portal following the Supreme Court judgment.

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Okutepa, who led Mark’s legal team in the leadership dispute, praised INEC for complying with the apex court’s decision without waiting to be formally served with the judgment.

In a statement posted yesterday on his X handle (@sanjsokutepa), the senior lawyer described the commission’s action as a strong demonstration of respect for the rule of law.

“I am a legal practitioner. I am not a registered member of any political party in Nigeria and owe no allegiance to anyone except the truth, justice, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he stated.

He noted that upon checking INEC’s portal, it was evident that the commission had, on its own, reinstated the ADC leadership, describing the move as “the right thing to do in the circumstances.”

The Supreme Court had, on Thursday, partly allowed Mark’s appeal and nullified the earlier directive of the Court of Appeal which ordered parties to maintain the status quo in the leadership tussle.

Delivering a unanimous judgment, a five-member panel of the apex court led by Mohammed Garba held that the appellate court acted without jurisdiction in issuing the order.

The case stemmed from a suit filed by a former ADC vice-chairman, Nafiu Bala, who sought to restrain Mark and members of his executive from parading themselves as national officers of the party.

The defendants included the ADC, its National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, INEC, and the party’s founder, Ralph Nwosu.

Okutepa explained that INEC had earlier relied on the now-nullified Court of Appeal order in removing Mark and his executive from its portal, adding that the commission’s prompt reversal underscored institutional responsibility.

“INEC, as a corporate entity, has accorded due respect to the decision of the Supreme Court without pretending that it was yet to be formally served. That is how it should be under the rule of law,” he said.

While commending the commission, Okutepa criticised what he described as a culture of disobedience to court orders among public institutions.

He warned that Nigeria’s development would remain elusive unless adherence to due process and the rule of law is upheld.

“On this occasion, INEC has demonstrated courage and a rare commitment to legality. Such actions are critical to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy,” he added.