A fresh political storm has erupted in Nigeria after the Court of Appeal overturned the controversial deregistration of the African Democratic Congress and four other political parties, prompting ADC National Chairman, former Senate President David Mark, to launch a scathing attack on the Federal Government and raise serious concerns about the state of the nation’s democracy.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja ordered a stay of execution on the earlier Federal High Court judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister the ADC, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party. The appellate court also strongly criticised the actions of Justice Peter Lifu, accusing him of disregarding an existing court order that had restrained him from delivering judgment in the matter.
Speaking at an ADC Strategic Communications Retreat in Abuja, David Mark insisted that the party itself was not under trial, arguing instead that the credibility of the Nigerian judiciary was now being tested before the entire nation...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
According to him, Nigerians are closely watching to see how the National Judicial Council will handle what he described as a troubling judicial situation. He questioned how a judge could proceed with a decision despite a superior court’s directive to halt proceedings.
Mark also accused the ruling government of attempting to weaken opposition voices through political distractions rather than focusing on governance. He alleged that the administration was trying to divert public attention from pressing national challenges by targeting opposition platforms ahead of future elections.
The Appeal Court, in a unanimous decision delivered by a three member panel led by Justice A.B. Mohammed, described the lower court’s conduct as a violation of judicial hierarchy and constitutional order. The panel stated that no lower court has the authority to disregard a valid order issued by a superior court and stressed the importance of preserving the integrity of the judiciary.
The Independent National Electoral Commission also distanced itself from the controversial judgment. INEC informed the appellate court that it only became aware of the deregistration ruling through media reports and did not oppose the request to suspend its implementation. The commission further aligned itself with the appeal filed by the affected political parties.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar welcomed the Appeal Court’s intervention and warned against the use of judicial processes to undermine democratic institutions. He said any attempt to weaken democracy through court manipulation would pose a serious threat to the country’s stability and constitutional order.
Civil society organisations have also joined the growing calls for accountability, urging the National Judicial Council to investigate Justice Peter Lifu over his actions. Critics argue that judicial inconsistencies could erode public confidence in the courts and damage Nigeria’s democratic reputation ahead of future elections.
Despite the legal battle, David Mark reassured party members that the ADC would remain strong and continue its political activities without fear. He urged supporters not to be discouraged, insisting that the party would emerge stronger from the controversy and remain a viable force in Nigeria’s political landscape.
