By Abuja, Nigeria
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has clarified that the recent ruling of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria did not determine the substantive dispute concerning the party’s national leadership.
In a statement issued by the party, the ADC said its attention had been drawn to reports regarding the decision of the appellate court in an appeal filed by the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, in connection with an ongoing suit before the Federal High Court of Nigeria.
The party explained that after carefully studying the judgment, it became clear that the Court of Appeal did not rule on the core issue challenging the emergence of Senator Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary. According to the ADC, the case contesting the party leadership remains pending before the Federal High Court and has not yet been heard or decided on its merits.
The statement further noted that the appellate court did not grant any relief in favour of the plaintiff, nor did it issue any order altering the current leadership structure of the party.
“On the contrary, the court directed that parties should maintain the status quo, meaning that the current state of affairs within the party should remain unchanged pending the determination of the substantive suit,” the party said.
The ADC therefore urged its members not to panic or be misled by what it described as misinterpretations of the judgment, stressing that the ruling was purely procedural and does not affect the legitimacy or tenure of the current national leadership.
The party also reaffirmed its unity and commitment to its political objectives, stating that it remains focused despite what it described as the activities of anti-democratic forces seeking to impose a one-party system on Nigeria.
