Tuesday, September 1, 2026

ADC Deregistration: Court of Appeal judgement restored confidence in democracy, says David Mark

He described the appellate court’s decision as a victory, not only for the ADC but also for Nigeria’s democracy, constitutionalism and the rule of law.

• July 28, 2026
David Mark
David Mark [Credit: X]

The national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, welcomed the Court of Appeal judgement nullifying the Federal High Court’s earlier ruling deregistering the party.

Justice Peter Lifu had, on June 15, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister ADC and four other political parties, saying they failed to satisfy the constitutional requirements for their continued existence.

However, Mark, in a statement issued by his special adviser on media and publicity to the ADC national chairman, Kola Ologbondiyan, on Tuesday in Abuja, said the judgement had restored confidence in the nation’s judiciary.

He described the appellate court’s decision as a victory, not only for the ADC but also for Nigeria’s democracy, constitutionalism and the rule of law.

According to him, the court remains the last hope of the common man and the guardian of democracy.

“The verdict is a reassuring reminder that our judiciary can still rise above pressure and protect democracy, political pluralism and the constitutional rights of citizens and political parties,” he said.

Mr Mark said the attempt to deregister ADC represented a direct assault on multi-party democracy and an unfortunate effort to undermine Nigerians’ constitutional rights to political participation.

He commended the appellate court justices for their courage, impartiality and commitment to justice, saying the judgement strengthened confidence in democratic institutions.

Mr Mark urged ADC candidates, members and supporters nationwide to remain resolute, united and focused on the party’s mission of rescuing Nigeria through purposeful leadership and governance.

He said the legal victory should serve as renewed motivation for party faithful to intensify grassroots mobilisation and work tirelessly toward success in the 2027 general elections.

“Our attention now returns fully to building a stronger, more united and people-oriented political platform that will offer Nigerians a credible alternative in 2027.

“We must remain steadfast, disciplined and committed to the task ahead,” he stated.

Mr Mark reaffirmed the party’s unwavering commitment to democracy, the rule of law and peaceful political engagement, assuring Nigerians of policies that would promote unity, security, prosperity and justice.

(NAN)

The national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, welcomed the Court of Appeal judgement nullifying the Federal High Court’s earlier ruling deregistering the party.

Justice Peter Lifu had, on June 15, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister ADC and four other political parties, saying they failed to satisfy the constitutional requirements for their continued existence.

However, Mark, in a statement issued by his special adviser on media and publicity to the ADC national chairman, Kola Ologbondiyan, on Tuesday in Abuja, said the judgement had restored confidence in the nation’s judiciary.

He described the appellate court’s decision as a victory, not only for the ADC but also for Nigeria’s democracy, constitutionalism and the rule of law.

According to him, the court remains the last hope of the common man and the guardian of democracy.

“The verdict is a reassuring reminder that our judiciary can still rise above pressure and protect democracy, political pluralism and the constitutional rights of citizens and political parties,” he said.

Mr Mark said the attempt to deregister ADC represented a direct assault on multi-party democracy and an unfortunate effort to undermine Nigerians’ constitutional rights to political participation.

He commended the appellate court justices for their courage, impartiality and commitment to justice, saying the judgement strengthened confidence in democratic institutions.

Mr Mark urged ADC candidates, members and supporters nationwide to remain resolute, united and focused on the party’s mission of rescuing Nigeria through purposeful leadership and governance.

He said the legal victory should serve as renewed motivation for party faithful to intensify grassroots mobilisation and work tirelessly toward success in the 2027 general elections.

“Our attention now returns fully to building a stronger, more united and people-oriented political platform that will offer Nigerians a credible alternative in 2027.

“We must remain steadfast, disciplined and committed to the task ahead,” he stated.

Mr Mark reaffirmed the party’s unwavering commitment to democracy, the rule of law and peaceful political engagement, assuring Nigerians of policies that would promote unity, security, prosperity and justice.

(NAN)

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