The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has described the Federal High Court judgment affirming his leadership of the party as a major victory for Nigeria’s democracy, saying it validates the ADC’s commitment to the rule of law and the country’s multi-party political system.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, Mark said the verdict reaffirmed the legitimacy of the party’s leadership and underscored the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freely associate and participate in the democratic process.
According to the former Senate President, the judgment represents another important milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey and reinforces the principle that democracy can only flourish when political parties are allowed to operate without intimidation or undue interference.
“From the outset, we had maintained that democracy can only thrive when political parties operate without intimidation, undue interference, or attempts to undermine legitimate opposition,” Mark said.
He added that the judgment demonstrated that no individual or institution is above the law and reaffirmed the judiciary’s role as the guardian of Nigeria’s constitutional order.
The ADC chairman commended the judiciary for what he described as its courage, impartiality and commitment to justice, saying the ruling was a triumph of truth and the democratic aspirations of Nigerians.
Mark reaffirmed the party’s commitment to constitutionalism, the rule of law and democratic governance, stressing that the ADC would continue to provide what he described as purposeful leadership as a credible opposition party.
He said the significance of the judgment extended beyond the fortunes of the ADC.
“This is not just a victory for our party; it is a victory for democracy, justice and every Nigerian who believes in a vibrant political system where ideas compete freely and the will of the people ultimately prevails,” he stated.
The former Senate President urged party members, supporters and other Nigerians to remain united and committed to building a stronger, more inclusive and prosperous nation through peaceful democratic engagement.
The Federal High Court had earlier struck out a suit challenging the emergence of Senator Mark and members of the ADC National Working Committee, holding that the dispute bordered on the internal affairs of the party and ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the party’s current leadership.
