Main opposition coalition African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reacted to the Supreme Court’s return and recognition of the party’s Senator David Mark-led leadership.
The party hailed the apex court, describing the verdict as a decisive ruling.
Apparently smelling an external hand in ordeal, ADC declared hat it will not be intimidated.
In a statement issued yesterday, the party congratulated its members and leaders nationwide following the Supreme Court’s decision, which upheld the leadership structure of the ADC, including Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
The verdict is expected to have significant implications for the internal stability of the ADC and its positioning within Nigeria’s broader political landscape, particularly as opposition parties continue to navigate challenges ahead of future electoral runs.
The party stated: “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) congratulates all our members and leaders across the country on today’s (yesterday) Supreme Court ruling which affirmed the leadership of our party under Senator David Mark as National Chairman, and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.”
Describing the verdict as a validation of its internal structures, the ADC added: “Today’s decision is a clear affirmation that our party, its structures, and its leadership under our National Chairman, Senator Mark, and our National Secretary, Ogbeni Aregbesola, are legitimate.”
The party further praised the five-member panel of the court, noting that the ruling reinforced confidence in Nigeria’s judicial system and demonstrated the independence of the judiciary in resolving political disputes.
“We commend the five-man panel of the Supreme Court, whose unanimous judgment, has today (yesterday) done great credit to the judiciary in our country and our political system,” the statement added.
Despite welcoming the judgment, the ADC cautioned that the decision does not mark the end of challenges confronting the party.
The coalition pointed to what it described as sustained attempts to undermine opposition voices in the country and weaken democratic institutions.
“However, while we welcome this judgment, we do not mistake it for the end of the struggle. The events leading up to this moment have exposed a troubling pattern of interference, bad faith, and attempts to weaken opposition voices in Nigeria,” the party stated.
Reaffirming its stance, the ADC declared:”Let it be clearly stated: the ADC will not be intimidated, distracted, or silenced. We remain resolute in our mission to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative.”
The party also called on its members, supporters, and democratic stakeholders to remain alert and committed in the face of ongoing political developments.
“We therefore urge all our members, supporters, and democratic stakeholders across the country to remain vigilant,” it added.
