A senior lawyer has clarified that the court order directing all parties in the ongoing African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership dispute to maintain the “status quo” effectively means that the leadership structure previously in place—led by Senator David Mark—should continue until the court delivers a final judgment.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Magaji Mato (SAN), National Legal Adviser of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), explained that in law, “status quo” requires parties to maintain the situation as it existed before the dispute was brought before the court. According to him, this principle is intended to preserve stability and prevent any party from altering existing arrangements while the case is still pending.
He emphasized that such orders are usually issued at an interlocutory stage, where the court has not yet determined the main issues in contention. The aim, he said, is to ensure that the subject matter of the dispute remains intact so that the court can later make a fair and informed decision without interference or disruption.
Using the ADC leadership crisis as an example, Mato stated that if Senator David Mark was the recognized leader of the party before the matter went to court, then the order to maintain the status quo means that his leadership should remain in place pending the court’s final ruling. He added that any attempt to change or disrupt that arrangement at this stage would go against the intention of the court’s directive.
Mato further noted that the judiciary has a duty to preserve the subject matter of litigation, warning that any action capable of preempting the court’s final decision undermines the legal process. According to him, if a court were to alter the leadership structure at an interim stage, it would amount to effectively deciding the case before hearing all arguments.
He stressed that the essence of such orders is to ensure fairness, continuity, and respect for due process. Interlocutory directives, he explained, are designed to maintain balance between parties and prevent any side from gaining an unfair advantage before the court reaches a final verdict.
The clarification comes amid ongoing tension within the ADC over its leadership structure, a dispute that has attracted significant attention from political stakeholders and legal observers. The issue has also raised concerns about party autonomy and the role of institutions in internal party matters.
Mato’s explanation is expected to guide stakeholders on how to interpret and comply with the court’s directive, reinforcing the position that the existing leadership arrangement—under Senator David Mark—remains valid and operational until the judiciary delivers its final decision.
Status quo means David Mark remains ADC leader pending court verdict
