David Mark: Judiciary, Not ADC, on Trial Over Deregistration Ruling

David Mark, National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), asserted that the Nigerian judiciary is currently on trial, rather than his party, concerning the controversy surrounding its deregistration. Mark, also a former Senate President, criticized the handling of the ADC's matters by Justice Peter Lifu, describing recent judicial actions as unprecedented. Speaking at the ADC Strategic Communications Retreat in Abuja, Mark stated, "The ADC is not on trial. Rather, it is the judiciary that is on trial and the nation is waiting to see how the National Judicial Council (NJC) is going to handle this precarious situation." His Media Adviser, Kola Ologbondiyan, released a statement detailing Mark's concerns about unusual judicial conduct. Mark found it inconceivable that Justice Lifu, or any judge, would permit themselves to be used for what he termed a "hatchet job," especially by disregarding a Court of Appeal order to stay proceedings. Mark further faulted what he described as contradictory orders from Justice Lifu. He alleged that the judge directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the ADC defunct, only to put the same party on trial less than 24 hours later in the Nafiu Gombe case. "It is strange that a judge can order the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to pronounce a party dead and in less than 24 hours put the same party on trial," Mark commented. Despite the developments, the ADC chairman urged party members not to be discouraged. He attributed the situation to alleged machinations by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing them of attempting to distract the opposition. "Like I have said previously, our members should not worry about the shenanigans of the ruling party. We will go through all these turbulence because we are up to the task. By the time we are through all these, ADC will come out stronger," he stated. Mark also charged the party’s communication strategists to develop messages aimed at persuading APC members, including President Tinubu, to support the ADC. The Federal High Court's recent order for the deregistration of the ADC and four other political parties has sparked strong reactions and renewed debate over judicial independence and Nigeria's democratic process.

“

The ADC is not on trial. Rather, it is the judiciary that is on trial and the nation is waiting to see how the National Judicial Council (NJC) is going to handle this precarious situation.