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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

Deregistration: Appeal Court judgment victory for democracy - David Mark

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties have secured a victory at the Court of Appeal, overturning a lower court's deregistration order.
  • The appellate court ruled the lower court lacked jurisdiction and that the suit was filed by an entity without legal standing.
  • The ADC chairman hailed the judgment as a win for democracy and called for intensified grassroots mobilization for the 2027 general elections.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties have received a significant reprieve as the Court of Appeal nullified a Federal High Court judgment that had ordered their deregistration. Senator David Mark, the National Chairman of the ADC, described the appellate court's decision as a major victory for democracy, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Senator David Mark, on Tuesday described the Court of Appeal’s decision nullifying the Federal High Court judgment that sought to deregister the party as a major victory for democracy, constitutionalism and the rule of law.

— David MarkThe ADC National Chairman commented on the significance of the Court of Appeal's ruling for democracy in Nigeria.

The Court of Appeal ruled that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case, which was initiated by the National Forum of Former Legislators. The appellate court determined that this organization is not a juristic person and therefore lacks the legal capacity to file such a suit. This verdict not only preserves the legal status of the ADC and the other affected parties but also reaffirms the judiciary's role in safeguarding democratic values and citizens' constitutional rights.

The verdict is a reassuring reminder that our judiciary can still rise above pressure and protect democracy, political pluralism and the constitutional rights of citizens and political parties

— David MarkSenator Mark expressed confidence in the judiciary's ability to uphold democratic principles and protect rights.

Mark commended the justices for their courage and impartiality, stating that the judgment has restored public confidence in the Nigerian judiciary. He characterized the attempt to deregister the ADC as an assault on Nigeria's multiparty democratic system and an infringement on citizens' rights to free association. Looking ahead, Mark urged party members and supporters to intensify grassroots mobilization efforts in preparation for the 2027 general elections, emphasizing the ADC's commitment to offering a credible alternative platform.

Our attention now returns fully to building a stronger, more united and people-oriented political platform that will offer Nigerians a credible alternative in 2027. We must remain steadfast, disciplined and committed to the task ahead

— David MarkThe ADC chairman outlined the party's focus on strengthening its platform and preparing for the upcoming general elections.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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