ADC NWC members protest at a Federal High Court in Abuja, warning against judicial interference in the party’s ongoing leadership crisis
Members of the National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President David Mark staged a protest on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, calling on the judiciary to avoid being drawn into internal political disputes that could weaken opposition parties in Nigeria.
Also read: Lawal Daura Rejects ADC Governorship Selection Process in Katsina
The protest took place amid an ongoing legal battle between the David Mark-led faction of the ADC and another group aligned with Nafiu Bala, both laying claim to leadership control of the party.
The demonstrators alleged that the lawsuit filed by Bala, which has now been returned to the Federal High Court by the Supreme Court, is intended to distract and destabilise the party’s structure.
The ADC leadership maintained that the case should not be used as a tool to frustrate opposition activities or interfere with internal party processes, insisting that political disputes must be resolved within the framework of democratic norms.
The Supreme Court had earlier set aside an order of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum in the leadership tussle. The apex court subsequently ordered that the matter be returned to the Federal High Court for accelerated hearing.
In its unanimous decision delivered by a five-member panel, the Supreme Court directed that the suit filed by aggrieved party chieftain Nafiu Bala be heard expeditiously at the trial court level.
The ADC crisis has continued to generate tension within the party, with both factions trading accusations over legitimacy and control ahead of future political engagements.
Also read: Lawal Daura Rejects ADC Governorship Selection Process in Katsina
Party observers say the outcome of the case could have significant implications for the structure and stability of the ADC as it navigates internal reconciliation efforts.
