The African Democratic Congress has said that a recent judgment by the Court of Appeal does not remove or affect the current national leadership of the party.
The clarification was given on Saturday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, following reports claiming that the court had removed the executive led by Senator David Mark.
According to the party, the court ruling came from an appeal filed by Mark, who serves as the National Chairman of the ADC. The party explained that the decision of the Court of Appeal only dealt with procedural issues and did not address the main dispute concerning the party’s leadership.
The statement noted that the legal case challenging the emergence of Mark as national chairman and the appointment of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary is still before the Federal High Court. The party said the court handling the matter has not yet made a final decision on the issue.
ADC explained that the Court of Appeal did not grant any request that would change the party’s leadership structure. Instead, the court directed all parties involved in the case to maintain the current situation until the Federal High Court completes its hearing and gives judgment on the main suit.
The party therefore dismissed claims circulating in some quarters that the appeal court ruling had removed the present national executives. It stated that such interpretations were incorrect and could mislead members and the public.
ADC urged its members across the country not to be confused by reports suggesting that the leadership had been dissolved. The party maintained that the present leadership remains in place while the legal process continues.
The statement also noted that the party would continue to focus on strengthening its internal unity despite what it described as attempts by some groups to weaken opposition parties and push Nigeria toward a one-party political system.
According to the ADC, it remains committed to maintaining its structure and working toward its political goals while awaiting the final court decision on the leadership matter.