INEC Praised for Swift Compliance as David Mark’s Lawyer Hails Supreme Court Ruling on ADC Leadership

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Jibrin Okutepa, lead counsel to Senator David Mark in the legal dispute over the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for promptly complying with the Supreme Court judgment without waiting for formal service.

Okutepa, in a statement posted on his X handle, @sanjsokutepa, on Friday, said INEC demonstrated respect for the rule of law by immediately restoring the ADC leadership structure on its portal following the apex court’s decision.

He said he was pleased to observe that the commission had acted decisively after the Supreme Court ruling, which partially allowed David Mark’s appeal and set aside the earlier Court of Appeal order directing parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum.

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

Okutepa, who confirmed his role as lead counsel to Senator Mark at the Supreme Court, said INEC had already reflected the court’s decision on its portal when he checked, describing the move as proper and commendable.

He explained that the apex court had faulted the Court of Appeal for acting beyond its jurisdiction in issuing the status quo order that previously influenced INEC’s decision to delist the ADC leadership.

“The decision of the Supreme Court yesterday was clear… INEC, as a corporate entity, has accorded respect to the decision of the Supreme Court without pretending that it was yet to be formally served with the judgment. That is the right thing to do in the circumstances,” he said.

However, Okutepa used the opportunity to criticise what he described as widespread disregard for court orders by public institutions and officials in Nigeria, warning that such conduct undermines democratic governance.

He said: “Too many in power have no respect for courts and court orders. In most cases, impunity reigns supreme in our land.”
According to him, INEC’s prompt compliance should serve as a model for other institutions, adding that the electoral body must continue to uphold judicial decisions without delay or hesitation.

“INEC must be bold and courageous to attain success in protecting and safeguarding Nigerian democracy,” he added.

The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision delivered on Thursday by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba, held that the Court of Appeal acted outside its jurisdiction when it ordered parties in the ADC leadership dispute to maintain the status quo.

The case arose from a suit filed by former ADC vice chairman, Nafiu Bala, challenging the legitimacy of the Mark-led leadership. The ADC, Senator David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, INEC, and party founder Ralph Nwosu were all listed as defendants.