ADC hails court ruling, says Abejide’s bid to unseat David Mark ended in failure

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has welcomed a Federal High Court judgment that dismissed a suit filed by Hon. Leke Joseph Abejide, effectively ending his bid to unseat Senator David Mark as the party's leader. The ADC views the ruling as a decisive victory that settles lingering legal disputes over its leadership.

“

This judgment, once again, affirms our clear position that the issue of leadership remains an internal affair of the party and is therefore not justiciable, especially in the light of the Electoral Act, 2022; and that the emergence of the current leadership of our great party, led by Senator David Mark, was carried out in accordance with the law and the Constitution of the ADC.

According to the party's National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, Justice M. S. Liman struck out the suit for lack of jurisdiction. The court affirmed the legitimacy of Senator David Mark and other members of the party's National Working Committee (NWC). Furthermore, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was directed to recognize them as the party's national officers. The ADC also stated that fines were awarded against Abejide and his lawyers.

“

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.

"This judgment, once again, affirms our clear position that the issue of leadership remains an internal affair of the party and is therefore not justiciable, especially in the light of the Electoral Act, 2022; and that the emergence of the current leadership of our great party, led by Senator David Mark, was carried out in accordance with the law and the Constitution of the ADC," the statement read.

“

Even as we celebrate this victory in court, we remain vigilant, convinced that anti-democratic forces remain active and motivated to continue to pursue their inglorious agenda against the Nigerian people.

The ADC described the judgment as a victory for Nigeria's multiparty democracy, hoping it will deter future "frivolous actions" and "unnecessary distractions." The party emphasized its commitment to addressing Nigeria's pressing issues, including worsening insecurity, high cost of living, and unemployment, rather than being preoccupied with litigation. The ADC urged its members and supporters to remain united and focused on its political objectives.

“

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.