The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has urged party members, supporters and candidates not to be discouraged by a Federal High Court judgment that ordered the deregistration of the ADC and four other political parties.
Speaking on Monday in Abuja while receiving a delegation of the party’s candidates, Mark described the ruling delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court as “an arrow fired at the heart of Nigeria’s democracy,” insisting that the judgment would be overturned by higher courts.
The former Senate President argued that the decision was flawed, recalling that the Court of Appeal had earlier ordered a stay of proceedings in the matter and fixed October 27, 2027, for further hearing.
He questioned the validity of a judgment delivered while a subsisting appellate court order 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,” Mark said.
The ADC chairman assured candidates and supporters across the country that there was no cause for alarm, urging them to remain calm and focused on the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
“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,” he added.
Mark also reaffirmed the party’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and offering Nigerians what he described as a credible political alternative ahead of the 2027 general election.
The judgment has sparked fresh debate over the legal status of some registered political parties and its potential implications for Nigeria’s democratic process as preparations for the 2027 polls gather momentum.
