Members demand immediate release of ruling that sacked David Mark-led leadership, warn of threat to their constitutional right to appeal
Members and candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have staged a protest in Abuja over what they described as an unreasonable delay in releasing the certified true copy (CTC) of a Federal High Court judgment which nullified the party’s leadership led by David Mark.
The protesters, who took to the streets of the Nigerian capital on Tuesday, accused the authorities of frustrating their efforts to challenge the ruling delivered on 5 November by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The candidates, operating under the aegis of the Forum of ADC Candidates in Nigeria, said the delay was undermining their constitutional right to appeal the judgment.
They also submitted a petition to the European Union (EU), the United States Embassy, the British High Commission and the United Nations (UN), drawing international attention to the controversy surrounding the party’s leadership crisis.
In the petition, the group expressed concern over the alleged failure to release the certified judgment, which they said was necessary for them to take the next legal steps.
The court’s ruling had nullified the leadership structure of the ADC led by former Senate President David Mark, triggering fresh uncertainty within the opposition party.
The development has also raised questions about the party’s leadership and its preparedness for the 2027 general election, particularly amid growing political realignments ahead of the polls.
The protesters are seeking the immediate release of the court documents to enable them to pursue an appeal against the decision.
The ADC leadership crisis comes at a critical period for the party, which has emerged as a political platform of interest to several opposition figures seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
The Federal High Court and the parties involved are yet to publicly address the protesters’ latest demands in the information available.
