Members of the David Mark-led National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have held a protest at the Federal High Court in Abuja, urging the judiciary to resist being used to suppress opposition parties in Nigeria. The demonstration, which took place amid a protracted legal battle between the David Mark faction and the rival group led by Nafiu Bala, underscores growing concerns over the use of court processes to undermine political opposition. Protesters argued that Bala’s lawsuit, which was recently sent back to the Federal High Court by the Supreme Court, is a deliberate attempt to distract and weaken the party’s leadership structure.
The legal tussle between the two factions has been ongoing for months, with both sides vying for control of the ADC. The situation intensified in April when the Supreme Court overturned a previous ruling by the Court of Appeal that had ordered the parties to maintain the status quo. That earlier decision had led the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to de-recognize the David Mark-led leadership of the party. The Supreme Court’s intervention, delivered by a five-member panel in a unanimous judgment, mandated that the case be returned to the Federal High Court for a swift and fair hearing.
The protesters, who are loyal to David Mark, expressed deep frustration over what they described as a politically motivated legal maneuver. They believe the lawsuit filed by Nafiu Bala is not about resolving internal party disputes but about destabilizing the opposition party ahead of upcoming elections. They emphasized that the judiciary must remain impartial and not become a tool for political manipulation, especially when it affects the functioning of democratic institutions.
The ADC, once a key opposition party in Nigeria, has seen its influence wane in recent years due to internal conflicts and legal challenges. The current leadership crisis has further weakened its position, making it difficult to mount a credible challenge to the ruling party. The protest in Abuja reflects the party’s determination to defend its legitimacy and ensure that its leadership remains intact.
As the case returns to the Federal High Court, all eyes are on how the judiciary will handle the matter. The outcome could set a precedent for how internal party disputes are resolved in Nigeria and whether the courts will continue to be used as battlegrounds for political power struggles. The ADC’s leadership remains hopeful that the judiciary will uphold the rule of law and protect democratic space for opposition parties.
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