The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed the hope that the court judgement affirming Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as leaders of the party, will bring to an end all the unnecessary distractions and attempts at judicial manipulation by those who are hell-bent on destabilising the opposition and foisting a one-party rule on the country.
The court presided over by Justice M. S. Liman, had in a suit filed by Leke Abejide, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to give Senator David Mark and other NWC members of the ADC recognition as duly elected national officers of the party.
ADC in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the judgement affirms its position that the issue of leadership remains an internal affair of the party and is therefore not justiciable, in the light of the Electoral Act, 2022.
ADC stated that the emergence of Senator David Mark-led NWC was carried out in accordance with the law and its Constitution.
It noted that at a time when millions of Nigerians are confronted daily with worsening insecurity, an unbearable cost of living, rising unemployment and declining economic opportunities, “our responsibility as a serious opposition party is to present practical solutions as alternatives to the people, not to be bogged down by contrived legal challenges.”
The party added that even as it celebrates the court victory, it will “remain vigilant, convinced that anti-democratic forces remain active and motivated to continue to pursue their inglorious agenda against the Nigerian people.”
ADC commended the courage shown by the presiding judge in standing firmly on the side of justice.
“We commend, especially, the judge’s decision to award fines against the plaintiff and his lawyers, hoping that this measure will serve as a deterrent to those who may want to pursue such frivolous actions in the future.
“We thank our members, supporters and millions of Nigerians who have continued to stand with the party.
“We urge them to remain focused, united and confident as we continue this journey together,” the party stated.
