The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has described the Court of Appeal’s decision nullifying the Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of the party and four others as a landmark victory for democracy, constitutionalism and the rule of law.
Mark said the appellate court’s ruling not only preserved the legal status of the ADC but also reaffirmed the judiciary’s critical role in safeguarding democratic principles, constitutional rights and Nigeria’s multiparty political system.
The former Senate President made the remarks in a statement issued on Tuesday through his media adviser, Kola Ologbondiyan, shortly after the Court of Appeal overturned the Federal High Court judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC, Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and Action Peoples Party (APP).
According to Mark, the judgment has restored confidence in the nation’s judiciary and demonstrated that the courts remain the ultimate defenders of justice and democratic governance.
“The verdict is a reassuring reminder that our judiciary can still rise above pressure and protect democracy, political pluralism and the constitutional rights of citizens and political parties,” he said.
The ADC chairman argued that the attempt to deregister the party represented an attack on Nigeria’s constitutional democracy and the rights of citizens to freely associate and participate in the country’s political process.
He commended the justices of the Court of Appeal for what he described as their courage, impartiality and commitment to justice, noting that the judgment would further strengthen public trust in the nation’s democratic institutions.
Mark also called on party members, supporters and candidates across the country to regard the legal victory as renewed motivation to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Our attention now returns fully to building a stronger, more united and people-oriented political platform that will offer Nigerians a credible alternative in 2027. We must remain steadfast, disciplined and committed to the task ahead,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the ADC’s commitment to democratic governance, peaceful political participation and the rule of law, assuring Nigerians that the party would continue to pursue policies aimed at promoting national unity, improving security, stimulating economic growth and ensuring justice for all citizens.
Appeal Court Restores Five Political Parties
Earlier on Tuesday, the Court of Appeal in Abuja set aside the Federal High Court judgment directing INEC to deregister the ADC and four other political parties.
The appellate court held that the lower court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit because it was instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), which it ruled was not a juristic person with the legal capacity to sue.
The court also faulted the trial judge for proceeding with the case despite an earlier order directing a stay of proceedings pending the determination of an appeal.
Consequently, the Court of Appeal declared the order deregistering the affected political parties a nullity and affirmed that the ADC, Action Alliance, Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party and Action Peoples Party remain duly registered political parties under Nigerian law.
The ruling is regarded as a significant judicial pronouncement on the protection of Nigeria’s multiparty democracy, coming as political parties intensify consultations, coalition talks and preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
