The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has welcomed the Supreme Court ruling which affirmed David Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary. 

In a statement issued by its spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi on Thursday, the party said the ruling affirmed its leadership structures and reinforced the rule of law.

“Today’s decision is a clear and unequivocal affirmation that our party, its structures, and its leadership under our National Chairman, Senator Mark, and our National Secretary, Ogbeni Aregbesola, are legitimate. It lays to rest all contrived disputes and manufactured uncertainties, and reinforces the principle that the rule of law, not political manipulation, must guide the affairs of our democracy,” the party stated.

While hailing the apex court for its decision, the ADC insisted events leading to this moment highlighted a troubling attempt to weaken opposition voices in Nigeria.

It added, “However, while we welcome this judgement, we do not mistake it for the end of the struggle. The events leading up to this moment have exposed a troubling pattern of interference, bad faith, and attempts to weaken opposition voices in Nigeria. 

“Let it be clearly stated: the ADC will not be intimidated, distracted, or silenced. We remain resolute in our mission to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative, anchored on ending insecurity, reducing the cost of living, and creating jobs at scale.”

According to the party, the apex court’s ruling reaffirmed its long-standing position that Joash Amupitan, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, must resign for allegedly acting in bad faith.

“The circumstances surrounding this matter, now clarified by the Supreme Court, point to either a grave failure of judgment or a deliberate act of bad faith. Whichever it is, the outcome is the same: the integrity and neutrality required of the office have been compromised. Nigeria’s democracy cannot afford an electoral umpire whose actions raise legitimate questions about impartiality,” it added.

The ADC asked INEC to restore the recognition of the Mark-led leadership on its website and all other channels of communication, urging members, supporters and democratic stakeholders across the country to remain vigilant. 

“Democracy is not defended in a single courtroom victory, it is sustained through constant vigilance, active participation, and the courage to resist any attempt to undermine the will of the people. What has been attempted once can be attempted again, hence, we must not let our guard down,” the opposition party stated.