Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has cautioned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) against complacency following the Supreme Court’s ruling that set aside the Court of Appeal’s judgment in the party’s leadership dispute. 

The Supreme Court on Thursday overturned the Court of Appeal’s ruling directing the rival factions of the ADC to return to the status quo ante bellum.

In the judgment delivered by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, the five-member panel of the apex court held that the Federal High Court was right in directing that all defendants in the substantive suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe be put on notice to show why the ex parte application should not be granted. 

The apex court also upheld the Court of Appeal’s ruling that the appellants ought to have obtained leave of the lower court before appealing the substantive matter.

Reacting to the development, Mr Abubakar said in a statement on Thursday that the ruling validated the courage of Nigerians who refused to surrender their future.

The politician, however, said the struggle had not ended yet, urging members and supporters not to be complacent.

He stated, “Even as we welcome the Supreme Court’s firm affirmation of David Mark and the leadership of our great party, the African Democratic Congress, let no one be lulled into complacency. 

“This victory belongs to Nigerians, the courageous millions who refuse to surrender their future. We thank them, and we urge them to remain steadfast, because the struggle is far from over.”

Mr Abubakar reaffirmed the party’s readiness to rescue the country from the All Progressives Congress.

“The road ahead remains long in our cause to take back and rescue our country. As we press on, let this truth guide us: eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,” the ADC chieftain stated.

The apex court’s ruling overturning the Court of Appeal’s decision means the Mark-led leadership will be sustained pending the determination of the substantive suit.