The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has welcomed the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja striking out a suit challenging the leadership of the party, describing the decision as a reaffirmation of the legitimacy of its National Working Committee led by Senator David Mark.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the judgment laid to rest lingering legal disputes over its leadership.
The suit, filed by Hon. Leke Joseph Abejide, was struck out by Justice M. S. Liman, who ruled that the matter concerned the internal affairs of the party and therefore fell outside the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.
The court also held that the plaintiff lacked the legal standing to institute the suit and failed to exhaust the internal dispute resolution mechanisms provided in the ADC Constitution.
In addition, the court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Senator David Mark and other members of the ADC National Working Committee as the party’s duly elected national officers.
Reacting to the judgment, the ADC said the ruling reaffirmed its position that issues relating to party leadership are internal matters and that the emergence of the current leadership complied with the party’s constitution and relevant laws.
The party described the judgment as a victory for multiparty democracy, expressing hope that it would end what it called attempts to destabilise the opposition through “contrived legal challenges.”
The ADC said its focus remains on providing practical solutions to Nigeria’s challenges, including insecurity, the rising cost of living, unemployment and declining economic opportunities, rather than being distracted by prolonged litigation.
The party also commended the trial judge for what it described as his courage in delivering the judgment and welcomed the award of costs against the plaintiff and his lawyers, saying it would discourage what it termed frivolous lawsuits.
The ADC thanked its members and supporters for their continued support and urged them to remain united as the party pursues its political objectives.
