Appeal Court upholds judgment barring INEC from recognising ADC congresses organised by Mark-led executives

# Appeal Court Upholds Ban on Mark-Led ADC Congress Recognition

A three-member panel of the Court of Appeal has upheld a Federal High Court restraining order that prohibits the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising congresses organised by the Mark-led faction of the All Progressives Congress (ADC). In a 2-1 judgment, the appellate court found no grounds to set aside the restraining order that was originally issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja on April 29.

The restraining order prevents INEC from recognising party congresses conducted by the Mark-led executives of the ADC. The appeal court's decision means the lower court's directive remains in effect, effectively blocking the electoral commission from acknowledging these particular congresses as official party activities.

The 2-1 split decision indicates division within the appellate panel, though the majority view prevailed in upholding the restraining order. The ruling maintains the status quo established by the Federal High Court and continues to restrict INEC's ability to recognise the Mark-led faction's party organisational activities.