Members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by former Senate President David Mark, staged a protest at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, calling on the judiciary to resist any attempt to undermine opposition parties through the courts.
The demonstration comes amid an ongoing leadership dispute within the party involving the David Mark-led faction and another group headed by party chieftain Nafiu Bala.
Carrying placards and chanting slogans in support of internal party democracy, the protesters urged the judiciary to remain impartial and ensure that the legal process is not manipulated for political purposes. According to the demonstrators, the lawsuit filed by Bala is being used as a distraction aimed at weakening the opposition party at a critical time in Nigeria’s political landscape.
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Speaking during the protest, members of the David Mark led NWC expressed concerns over what they described as increasing attempts to destabilise opposition parties through prolonged legal battles. They maintained that the courts must uphold justice and fairness without allowing themselves to become tools in political conflicts.
The latest development is linked to a legal tussle that has generated significant attention within the ADC. The dispute centres on the party’s leadership structure and recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In April, the Supreme Court delivered a unanimous judgment setting aside an earlier order of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which had directed all parties involved in the dispute to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the matter. The appellate court’s decision had previously formed the basis upon which INEC de-recognised the David Mark-led leadership of the party.
The apex court, in a judgment delivered by a five-member panel, subsequently ordered all parties to return to the Federal High Court for an expedited hearing of the suit instituted by Nafiu Bala.
With the matter now back before the Federal High Court, tensions within the party remain high as both factions await a judicial determination that could significantly influence the future leadership and direction of the ADC.
As proceedings continue, political observers are closely monitoring the case, given its potential implications for opposition politics and party administration ahead of future electoral contests in Nigeria.
More details are expected to emerge as the court hearing progresses.
