- the ruling is a clear indication that the party’s leadership structure remains valid despite the prolonged legal battle
- he stressed that the decision should not be seen as the end of the party’s internal and external challenges
- He praised the five-member panel of the apex court for delivering a unanimous judgment
The African Democratic Congress has applauded the Supreme Court’s latest ruling on its leadership dispute, describing the judgment as a strong endorsement of the party’s structure and leadership.
In a statement released on Thursday, Eko Hot Blog gathered that the the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, congratulated members and stakeholders, saying the verdict affirms the legitimacy of the current leadership led by David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
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He praised the five-member panel of the apex court for delivering a unanimous judgment, noting that the decision reflects positively on the integrity of the judiciary and strengthens confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
According to Abdullahi, the ruling is a clear indication that the party’s leadership structure remains valid despite the prolonged legal battle.
However, he stressed that the decision should not be seen as the end of the party’s internal and external challenges.
The ADC expressed concern over what it described as a pattern of interference and actions taken in bad faith aimed at weakening opposition voices in the country. It maintained that such developments have tested the party’s resilience but have also strengthened its resolve.
The party made it clear that it would not be intimidated or silenced, reaffirming its commitment to providing Nigerians with a credible political alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It also called on its members, supporters, and other stakeholders to remain vigilant as political activities intensify.
The reaction followed the Supreme Court’s decision to nullify an earlier order by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which had directed parties in the dispute to maintain the status quo.
That order had influenced the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission, which withdrew recognition of the Mark-led leadership pending the outcome of the case.
In its ruling, the apex court held that the appellate court overstepped its bounds by issuing a preservative order in a matter that was still pending before the trial court.
The court clarified that such orders are only valid when there is an ongoing issue to protect, and not after proceedings have been substantially addressed.
Delivering the lead judgment, Mohammed Garba explained that while courts have inherent powers to preserve the subject matter of a case, those powers must be exercised within proper legal limits.
He noted that once the relevant stage of proceedings has been concluded, there is nothing left to preserve.
The Supreme Court partially upheld the appeal filed by Mark, while dismissing aspects that challenged earlier procedural decisions of the Federal High Court.
It subsequently directed all parties to return to the lower court for an expedited hearing of the substantive case filed by a party chieftain, Nafiu Gombe.
With the ruling, the leadership dispute within the ADC remains unresolved at the trial level, but the party has taken the judgment as a morale boost, insisting it will continue to push forward despite ongoing legal and political hurdles.
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