The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has praised a Federal High Court judgment that rejected an attempt by Hon. Leke Joseph Abejide to challenge Senator David Mark's position as the party leader.
According to the ADC, the court's decision represents a decisive defeat for Abejide and closes a chapter of legal disputes that had consumed the party's attention.
Justice M. S.
Liman struck out Abejide's suit on grounds of lack of jurisdiction, the party disclosed in a statement. The court also validated Senator David Mark and other members of the party's National Working Committee (NWC), directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise them as legitimate national officers.
The ruling imposed fines against Abejide and his legal team, a decision the party welcomed. ADC national publicity secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi said the judgment vindicated the party's long-held position that internal leadership matters lie outside the courts' purview.
"The issue of leadership remains an internal affair of the party and is therefore not justiciable, especially given the Electoral Act, 2022," Abdullahi stated in the party's response. He stressed that Senator David Mark's emergence followed proper procedures under both the law and the ADC constitution.
The party framed the court decision as a boost for Nigeria's multiparty democracy and a setback for what it termed "anti-democratic forces." ADC officials expressed hope that the judgment would finally extinguish ongoing legal challenges to its leadership.
Abdullahi condemned what he called "unnecessary distractions and attempts at judicial manipulation" aimed at destabilising opposition parties. He accused unnamed actors of seeking to undermine democracy and impose one-party rule on the nation.
The ADC now plans to redirect its energy toward addressing Nigeria's mounting challenges rather than defending itself in court. The party identified insecurity, the cost of living crisis, joblessness and shrinking economic prospects as pressing concerns demanding its attention.
"Our responsibility as a serious opposition party is to present practical solutions to the people, not get bogged down by contrived legal challenges," Abdullahi told reporters. He noted that millions of Nigerians face daily hardship and deserve genuine policy alternatives.
The party expressed particular satisfaction with the court's decision to fine the plaintiff and his lawyers. Abdullahi hoped the penalties would discourage future frivolous litigation against opposition organisations.
The ADC extended gratitude to its members, supporters and Nigerians who stood with the party during the dispute. It urged them to maintain unity and focus as it pursues its political agenda moving forward.
