The South-South Zonal leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has described Thursday’s judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja, affirming the party’s national leadership under former Senate President David Mark, as a landmark victory for Nigeria’s constitutional democracy, judicial independence, and the rule of law.
The group said beyond resolving an internal party dispute, the judgment reinforces the principle that democratic institutions must be shielded from political manipulation and that the Constitution, rather than partisan interests, remains the ultimate authority on Nigeria’s democratic path.
In a statement issued by the ADC South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary, Mabel Oboh, the zone congratulated Senator David Mark, the National Working Committee (NWC), and party members nationwide following the dismissal of the suit challenging the legitimacy of the party’s leadership.
Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court, Abuja, dismissed the suit, ruling that the dispute related to the party’s internal affairs, a matter outside the court’s jurisdiction. The court further held that the plaintiff had failed to exhaust the internal dispute-resolution mechanisms provided under the ADC Constitution and lacked the standing (‘locus standi’) to bring the action. The judgment also upheld the appointment of Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, in accordance with the decisions of the party’s National Executive Committee, conducted in line with the ADC Constitution and the Electoral Act.
Reacting to the judgment, Oboh described it as “a victory not merely for the African Democratic Congress but for every Nigerian who believes that democracy must always be governed by law rather than political intimidation.”
“The court could not have been clearer,” she stated. “It rightly held that the issues raised bordered on the internal affairs of the ADC, that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction, and that the plaintiff neither exhausted the internal remedies provided by our party’s constitution nor established the locus standi required to invoke the jurisdiction of the court.”
She noted that the decision reaffirmed one of the most enduring principles of Nigerian electoral jurisprudence—that political parties are voluntary associations governed primarily by their constitutions.
“Nigerian courts have consistently maintained that they should not interfere in the domestic affairs of political parties except where there is a clear violation of the Constitution, the Electoral Act, or the fundamental rights of members.
According to Oboh, Thursday’s ruling strengthens this settled legal position and further reinforces respect for party autonomy within Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
Oboh commended Justice Liman for what she described as his courage, impartiality, and fidelity to the Constitution, stating that the judgment demonstrates that the judiciary remains one of the strongest pillars supporting Nigeria’s democracy.
“At a time when political competition is becoming increasingly intense ahead of future elections, Nigerians need reassurance that the courts will remain faithful to justice and the Constitution rather than partisan interests.
*This judgment provides that reassurance and enhances public confidence in the judiciary.”
She also warned of an increasing tendency among desperate political actors to weaponise litigation to destabilise opposition parties, rather than engage in healthy democratic competition.
“Our democracy cannot flourish if courts become battlegrounds for political manipulation. The judiciary must continue to protect constitutional order, while political parties are permitted to manage their lawful internal affairs without unnecessary external interference.”
The ADC South-South spokesperson further stated that the judgment has profound implications beyond the party itself, emphasising that justice remains the foundation upon which democratic governance, electoral credibility, and national stability are built.
“No democracy survives without public confidence in the judiciary. Every judgment that faithfully interprets the Constitution strengthens democratic institutions, protects citizens’ rights, and preserves the integrity of our electoral system. Justice must never be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.”
Oboh also reaffirmed the ADC South-South leadership’s unwavering confidence in the David Mark-led National Executive, affirming that the entire zone stands firmly behind the current leadership as it strives to reposition the party as a credible and principled alternative for Nigerians.
“The entire South-South leadership of the African Democratic Congress is united and fully behind the David Mark-led leadership.
“We have absolute confidence in his experience, integrity, and commitment to strengthening our party through internal democracy, inclusiveness, accountability, and unwavering respect for the rule of law.”
She urged party members across the federation to put the litigation behind them and focus on strengthening the party’s grassroots structures, expanding membership, and preparing for upcoming electoral contests.
“Our collective responsibility now is to unite behind the leadership, consolidate our structures, and continue to offer Nigerians a credible political alternative founded on competence, justice, transparency, and national unity.”
Oboh congratulated Senator David Mark, the National Executive Committee, and members of the ADC across the country, expressing confidence that the judgment marks the beginning of a stronger, more united, and forward-looking chapter in the party’s history.
She concluded: “When justice is protected, democracy is protected. Today’s judgment reminds every Nigerian that our courts must remain the guardians of the Constitution, not the playground of political interests.
“This victory belongs not only to the ADC but to every Nigerian who believes in the supremacy of the law and the enduring promise of democracy.”
