ADC Hails Court Ruling Affirming Party Leadership

Abuja: African Democratic Congress (ADC) has welcomed the Federal High Court judgment striking out a suit challenging its leadership for lack of jurisdiction.

The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, described the judgment as another affirmation of its constitutionally recognised leadership.

It said the judgment reaffirmed its position that leadership disputes remained internal party affairs and are therefore non-justiciable under provisions of the Electoral Act.

According to the party, the emergence of its current leadership, headed by Sen. David Mark complied fully with the ADC Constitution and applicable Nigerian laws.

“This judgment affirms our clear position that the issue of leadership remains an internal affair of the party and is therefore not justiciable,” the party stated

The party also described the ruling as another victory for Nigeria’s multiparty democracy, expressing hope that it would end unnecessary distractions and attempts to destabilise the opposition politically.

It said that worsening insecurity, rising living costs, unemployment, and declining economic opportunities required practical opposition alternatives instead of prolonged distractions through avoidable legal challenges.

The party said it remained vigilant in spite of the court victory, insisting that anti-democratic forces were still pursuing actions capable of undermining democratic governance and opposition politics.

It commended the presiding judge for upholding justice and awarding costs against the plaintiff and lawyers, stressing that the decision would discourage frivolous litigation in the future.

The party further thanked members, supporters and Nigerians for their steadfast support, urging them to remain united, focused and confident as it advanced democratic ideals.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)