ADC Chairman Says Judiciary on Trial Over Party Deregistration
The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has declared that the Nigerian judiciary—not his party—is under scrutiny following the Federal High Court’s ruling to deregister the ADC and four other political parties.
Reacting to the judgment, Mark argued that the decision has sparked widespread concern about judicial independence and its impact on Nigeria’s democratic process. He stressed that the public must recognise that the ADC is not the institution being tested.
Judiciary Must Prove Its Integrity
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, Mark said the judiciary now has to demonstrate that it can uphold justice and maintain public confidence amid what he described as a precarious situation.
“The ADC is not on trial. Rather, it is the judiciary that is on trial, and the nation is waiting to see how the National Judicial Council will handle this matter,” he stated.
Criticism of Justice Peter Lifu’s Handling
Mark criticised Justice Peter Lifu’s management of cases involving the ADC, describing recent judicial actions as strange and unprecedented. He questioned how a judge could allegedly facilitate a “hatchet job” when a Court of Appeal order had stayed proceedings.
He pointed out contradictory orders: Justice Lifu first directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to declare the ADC dead, then, less than 24 hours later, presided over proceedings concerning the same party in the Nafiu Gombe case.
“It is strange that a judge can order the INEC to pronounce a party dead and, within a day, put that same party on trial,” Mark remarked, adding that the development raises serious questions about the administration of justice.
APC Accused of Political Machinations
Despite the controversy, Mark urged ADC members not to be discouraged, insisting the party would overcome the current challenge. He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating political manoeuvres aimed at weakening the opposition.
“Like I have said previously, our members should not worry about the shenanigans of the ruling party. We will go through all this turbulence because we are up to the task. By the time we are through, ADC will come out stronger,” he declared.
Call for Resilience and Strong Messaging
Mark also criticised the Bola Tinubu‑led administration, claiming it seeks to distract opposition parties and that the APC‑led government is “sinking.” He challenged the ADC’s communication strategists to intensify efforts in projecting the party’s ideals to Nigerians.
He urged members to treat the legal and political challenges as a test of resilience, affirming that the ADC will emerge stronger at the end of the process and remain focused, organised, and determined to pursue its agenda.
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