The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged its members and candidates to continue political activities despite a Federal High Court ruling that nullified the party’s leadership.
The party’s National Legal Adviser, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, shared this advice during a Friday interview with reporters in Abuja.
Osunbor stated that the party remains on solid legal ground and is confident it will overcome the latest judicial challenge. According to NAN, the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday nullified the ADC leadership led by former Senate President David Mark.
Justice Peter Lifu also invalidated decisions made under Mark’s leadership, including the selection of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as presidential candidate, as well as other decisions affecting 2027 general election candidates.
Osunbor argued that the judgment conflicts with three existing Federal High Court decisions upholding the Mark-led leadership. He noted these earlier judgments have not been appealed and stated that the ADC has sufficient legal grounds to challenge the latest ruling.
The legal adviser said the party is considering an appeal and an application to stay execution pending the Court of Appeal’s decision. He emphasised that the judgment will not halt the party’s political activities or preparations for the 2027 elections.
Osunbor urged members, aspirants, and candidates not to panic about their ticket status or abandon their political activities.
“We stand on solid ground. We know that we have survived other intrigues thrown our way, including other acts of mischief.
“They have not deterred us, and they will not deter us,” he alleged, saying the legal challenges aim to discourage Nigerians from joining the party and weaken members’ morale.
Osunbor also accused the party’s opponents of attempting to disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.
He insisted the strategy would fail, noting that the ADC’s growing support has unsettled its opponents.
“We are confident that we are on the right path, and in the end, we will prevail.
“In the end, ADC will help to rescue this country, Nigeria, from the hands of those who appear not to mean well,” he said.
Osunbor affirmed the party’s commitment to offering Nigerians an alternative political direction based on good governance and democracy.
He identified security and citizens’ welfare as central priorities and pledged that the ADC will restore accountability and responsible governance.
The legal adviser added that the international community is being properly briefed on developments in Nigeria’s political environment. The United Nations was asked to monitor the situation closely to prevent any breakdown of law and order that could require humanitarian assistance.
Regarding electoral integrity, Osunbor called for an independent group of credible professionals to collaborate with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He said the proposal follows the discovery of artificial intelligence-generated photographs in the voters’ register to sanitise the register and monitor INEC’s Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and Result Viewing Portal (IReV).
He added that such oversight would strengthen public confidence in the electoral commission and enhance the credibility of future elections.
Osunbor encouraged party members to draw confidence from the ADC’s legal position, stating that this development should strengthen, not weaken, their determination.
