The embattled national chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Senator David Mark, has assured party members that ADC will participate in all elections in 2027 despite ongoing legal challenges.
Speaking on Wednesday night after receiving a briefing from the party’s legal team on a recent judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Mark dismissed concerns over the litigations involving the party and expressed confidence in a favourable outcome.
“You do not have anything to be afraid of regarding all the litigations before the party.
“I want to assure you that we shall triumph in all the cases, and we shall be on the ballot for every election.
“We are more than prepared and ready for these cases, and we shall do everything within the ambits of the law to surmount every situation.
“In this legal battle, though I am not a lawyer, I will lead from the front, and we shall surely triumph,” Mark was quoted saying in a statement issued by ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi.
PUNCH Online had reported that the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, on Wednesday, restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognising or participating in any state congresses organised by the disputed caretaker leadership of the ADC.
The court also barred Mark and other figures associated with the caretaker committee from interfering with the functions and tenure of the party’s elected state executive committees.
However, according to the party, its legal team has already begun the process of appealing the judgment and has also applied for a stay of execution.
Mark’s assurance comes as the party intensifies preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with leadership saying the development is aimed at strengthening confidence among members.
Earlier, the ADC legal team had briefed Mark and other party leaders on the implications of the court’s decision and outlined the strategy for ongoing legal proceedings.
The ruling is the latest development in the festering leadership dispute within the ADC, with clear implications for the control of party structures ahead of future political activities.
The case arose from an originating summons filed by Norman Obinna and six others on behalf of state chairpersons and executive committees of the party.
The plaintiffs challenged the legality of actions taken by a caretaker or interim national leadership, particularly the move to organise state congresses through an appointed committee.
They argued that the caretaker body lacked constitutional authority to organise such congresses or to appoint any committee for that purpose.
PUNCH.
