- Safiu Kehinde
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has faulted the Federal High Court’s ruling deregistering of the party.
NPO Reported that the Federal High Court had on Monday ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC and four other political parties.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Media & Publicity to the National Chairman, Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC National Chairman, David Mark, dismissed the ruling which it described as an arrow fired at the heart of Nigeria’s democracy.
Mark recalled that the Court of Appeal had earlier ordered a stay of proceedings in the matter and adjourned further hearing to October 27, 2027.
He therefore questioned how a judgment could validly be delivered while the subsisting order of the appellate court remained in force.
“The judgment cannot stand. It will be set aside because it does not pass the test of law and due process.
“Our democracy must be protected from actions that seek to undermine the constitutional rights of political parties and the choices available to Nigerians,” the ADC leader stated.
Meanwhile, Mark called on party members, supporters, and candidates on the platform of the party not to despair over the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu.
He assured the party faithful that the decision would be overturned by superior courts.
Mark also urged ADC candidates and supporters across the country to remain calm, focused, and committed to the party’s mission, stressing that there was no cause for alarm.
“The ADC will be on the ballot in 2027. I assure all our candidates, members, and supporters that this temporary setback will be overcome through the judicial process.
“We remain resolute and confident in the rule of law,” he added.
Mark further reaffirmed the party’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and providing Nigerians with a credible political alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.