By Charles Abere
A Court of Appeal directive to maintain “status quo ante bellum” in the African Democratic Congress leadership dispute has triggered conflicting interpretations, protests, and a fresh debate on clarity in judicial pronouncements.
The order, which means “the situation as it existed before the war,” was issued amid the ADC’s internal leadership crisis. Its lack of specific directives has left the Independent National Electoral Commission and party factions at odds over which national working committee is legitimate.
Following the ruling, INEC delisted the David Mark-led national working committee from its portal. But the Mark faction rejected the move, insisting it remains the last legitimate structure. The dispute escalated this week as rival factions staged separate protests at INEC headquarters in Abuja. On Thursday, Nafiu Gombe also led a demonstration, demanding recognition as the authentic ADC national chairman.
Weighing in on the controversy, Nigerian Bar Association President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, said on Channels Television’s _Politics Today_ that courts should stop using complex Latin phrases in rulings, especially on politically sensitive matters.
“Our courts should avoid using such phrases and instead specify what orders they are making so that nobody will be left in doubt, and no administrative body will have to interpret it,” Osigwe said Friday.
He argued that vague orders create room for mischief, with different parties claiming victory. “I see situations where people go away rejoicing that the order was in their favour. Where a court has chosen to make an order, it should state clearly what it has set out to do and not hide behind any Latin maxims,” he added.
Osigwe noted that while such expressions may work in other jurisdictions, Nigeria’s political environment makes them confusing and prone to abuse.
The NBA president’s comments come as INEC faces mounting pressure to interpret the court’s directive without appearing partisan.
