ADC National Chairman, David Mark
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.
Mark said the appellate court’s verdict had not only secured the continued legal status of the ADC but also reaffirmed the judiciary’s role as the ultimate protector of democratic values and constitutional rights.
The former Senate President made the remarks in a statement signed by his media adviser, Mr Kola Ologbodiyan, shortly after the appellate court set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court, which had ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister the ADC and four other political parties.
According to him, the judgment has restored public confidence in the nation’s judiciary and demonstrated that the courts remain the last hope of the common man.
“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,” Mark said.
He argued that the attempt to deregister the ADC amounted to an assault on Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system and an effort to weaken the constitutional rights of citizens to freely associate and participate in the country’s political process.
The ADC chairman commended the Justices of the Court of Appeal for what he described as their courage, impartiality and commitment to justice, saying the judgment had further strengthened public confidence in democratic institutions.
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Mark urged members, supporters and candidates of the party across the country to see the legal victory as a call to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“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,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to democracy, the rule of law and peaceful political participation, assuring Nigerians that the ADC would continue to promote policies aimed at fostering national unity, improving security, stimulating economic prosperity and ensuring justice for all.
The Court of Appeal had earlier on Tuesday nullified the judgment of the Federal High Court that directed INEC to deregister the ADC, Action Alliance, Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party and Action Peoples Party.
The appellate court held that the lower court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit because it was filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which it ruled was not a juristic person with the legal capacity to institute the action.
The court further faulted the trial court for proceeding with the matter despite an earlier order directing it to stay proceedings pending the determination of an appeal. It consequently declared the order for the deregistration of the affected political parties a nullity and affirmed that they remain duly registered political parties under Nigerian law.
The ruling is widely regarded as a significant judicial pronouncement on the protection of Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system, coming at a time political parties are intensifying preparations for the 2027 general elections.
