Mark, Atiku hail Appeal Court ruling on ADC, say verdict strengthens democracy

David Mark, National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Atiku Abubakar, the party’s presidential candidate, have hailed the Court of Appeal judgment nullifying the Federal High Court ruling that sought to deregister the ADC and four other opposition political parties, describing the decision as a landmark victory for democracy, constitutionalism and the rule of law.

BusinessDay reports that the Court of Appeal had set aside the judgment of Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which ordered the deregistration of the ADC, Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord (A) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

In a unanimous decision, a three-member panel led by Justice Abba Mohammed held that the trial court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit, describing its judgment as “a nullity.”

The appellate court also ruled that the lower court proceeded with its judgment despite a subsisting stay of proceedings and that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to institute the case.

Reacting to the verdict, Mark, in a statement by Kola Ologbondiyan, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, said the judgment represented a major triumph not only for the ADC but for Nigeria’s democratic order.

“The verdict is a reassuring reminder that our judiciary can still rise above pressure and protect democracy, political pluralism and the constitutional rights of citizens and political parties,” Mark said.

Mark argued that the failed attempt to deregister the ADC amounted to an assault on Nigeria’s multiparty democracy and commended the appellate justices for their courage, impartiality and commitment to justice.

He urged party members to remain united and intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, adding that the party would continue to provide Nigerians with a credible political alternative.

Similarly, Atiku, in a statement issued by his Media Office, described the ruling as a reaffirmation of constitutional democracy and judicial independence.

“We warmly welcome the landmark judgment of the Court of Appeal, which set aside the erroneous judgment,” Atiku said.

He praised the justices for their “courage, fidelity to the Constitution and unwavering commitment to justice.”

The former Vice President said the judgment, alongside an earlier Federal High Court ruling affirming the Senator David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the ADC, had cleared every legal hurdle confronting the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku said the appellate court rightly held that the Federal High Court acted in disobedience to a subsisting stay of proceedings, while also affirming that INEC had confirmed the affected political parties complied with constitutional and statutory requirements.

Describing the ruling as “a victory for every Nigerian who believes in free political competition,” Atiku urged political actors to allow electoral contests to be decided by the ballot rather than what he called “contrived lawsuits” aimed at shrinking the democratic space.