Appeal Court Ruling On ADC Leadership Procedural – Spokesman

By Ayodele Oni

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has clarified that the recent ruling of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria in the ongoing leadership dispute within the party does not alter its current leadership structure.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the appellate court’s decision was procedural and did not determine the substantive issues raised in the case challenging the leadership of David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.

According to the party, the appeal was dismissed on procedural grounds, and the court did not grant any relief to the plaintiff nor issue any order affecting the party’s leadership positions.

“The Court of Appeal did not determine the substantive dispute regarding the leadership of the ADC. The case challenging the emergence of Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary remains pending before the Federal High Court of Nigeria and has not yet been heard or decided on its merits.”

The party explained that the appellate court directed all parties to maintain the status quo, meaning that the current leadership arrangement remains unchanged pending the determination of the substantive suit.

ADC therefore urged its members and the general public not to be misled by what it described as inaccurate interpretations of the judgment circulating in some quarters.

“The ruling of the Court of Appeal is purely procedural and does not affect the legitimacy or tenure of the current national leadership of the party,” the statement added.

The party further reassured members that it remains united and focused, dismissing the controversy as part of attempts by “anti-democratic forces bent on imposing a one-party rule on Nigeria” to create confusion within the opposition.

ADC urged its supporters nationwide to remain calm and committed to the party’s programmes while the matter continues before the court.

An online report has surfaced to the effect that the Court of Appeal sacked David Mark and affirmed Nafiu Bala as authentic national chairman of ADC.