ADC Deregistration: Judgment Didn’t Follow Due Process, Can’t Stand, David Mark Tells Members
National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has assured supporters and members of the party that there is no cause for alarm over the Federal High Court judgment that purportedly ordered the deregistration of the party and some other political parties.
Mark, who spoke while receiving a delegation of ADC candidates in Abuja, described the judgment as a violation of due process and an attack on Nigeria’s democratic system, expressing confidence that the ruling would be overturned by a higher court.
This was contained in a statement on signed by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the national chairman of the ADC, Kola Ologbondiyan, on Monday.
According to him, the judgment failed to follow established legal procedures, especially as the Court of Appeal had earlier granted a stay of proceedings in the matter and adjourned further hearing until October 27, 2027.
Questioning the validity of the ruling delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Mark argued that a judgment could not properly stand while a subsisting order of the appellate court remained in force.
“The judgment cannot stand. It will be set aside because it does not pass the test of law and due process. Our democracy must be protected from actions that seek to undermine the constitutional rights of political parties and the choices available to Nigerians,” he said.
The former Senate President urged ADC members and supporters across the country to remain calm and focused, assuring them that the party’s participation in the 2027 general elections was not under threat.
“The ADC will be on the ballot in 2027. I assure all our candidates, members and supporters that this temporary setback will be overcome through the judicial process. We remain resolute and confident in the rule of law,” Mark stated.
He further reiterated the party’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and providing Nigerians with a credible political alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
