ABUJA — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has updated its official records to reflect the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following a Supreme Court ruling on the party’s protracted internal dispute.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Jibrin Okutepa, who represented former Senate President David Mark in the case, described the commission’s action as a timely demonstration of respect for judicial authority.
In a statement shared via his verified X account on Friday, Okutepa said INEC acted without delay in aligning its portal with the apex court’s decision, noting that the move was carried out without waiting for formal service of the judgment.
“I am a legal practitioner… I owe no allegiance to anybody except the truth, justice, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said, adding that a review of INEC’s portal showed the restoration of the ADC leadership in line with the ruling.
The Supreme Court had, on Thursday, delivered judgment in the leadership dispute, setting aside an earlier directive by the Court of Appeal which ordered parties to maintain the status quo pending determination of the substantive suit.
The apex court held that the appellate court acted outside its jurisdiction by issuing the order suo motu — without hearing the parties — effectively nullifying the basis upon which INEC had previously altered its records.
Okutepa explained that INEC’s earlier decision to remove the names of David Mark and members of his executive committee was tied to the now-invalidated Court of Appeal order.
With that order set aside, the restoration of the leadership on INEC’s portal reflects the current legal position as clarified by the Supreme Court.
INEC’s response highlights a critical aspect of institutional conduct in Nigeria’s legal framework — the balance between procedural formalities and substantive compliance with court decisions. Prompt alignment with apex court rulings, even in the absence of formal service, signals a shift toward more proactive adherence to the rule of law.
Okutepa said the commission’s action stands out in a governance environment where compliance with court orders is often delayed.
“INEC… has accorded respect to the decision of the Supreme Court without pretending that it was yet to be formally served,” he said, describing the move as consistent with the expectations of due process.
He also noted that INEC was a party to the proceedings at the Supreme Court, suggesting there was sufficient basis for immediate implementation of the judgment.
Beyond the specifics of the case, Okutepa used the development to underscore broader concerns about institutional accountability in Nigeria. He warned that disregard for court orders continues to undermine democratic governance and public trust.
“Until we agree to be bound by the rule of law and due process… Nigeria’s development will be a mirage,” he said.
The senior lawyer pointed to what he described as a culture of impunity across public institutions, including within the legal and security systems, where court directives are sometimes ignored or selectively applied.
He, however, urged INEC to sustain its approach, describing the commission’s action in this instance as a model for other public institutions.
“INEC must be bold and courageous… in protecting and safeguarding Nigerian democracy,” he added.
