Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Tens of thousands of supporters of the African Democratic Congress burst into celebration across Abuja on Thursday after the Supreme Court delivered a unanimous judgment that effectively restored the leadership structure headed by former Senate President David Mark. The jubilation, which erupted inside the Supreme Court complex and quickly spread to party secretariats in several states, was captured in videos that circulated widely on social media. Party faithful were seen chanting “ADC, ADC, ADC, Arise and Shine” as they waved party flags and placards declaring the ruling a victory for democracy. The judgment came just weeks after the Independent National Electoral Commission had removed Mark and his National Secretary, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, from its portal, leaving the party without any recognised leadership.
For many Nigerians watching the protracted legal battle, Thursday’s judgment was less about fine legal distinctions and more about a fundamental question: would the main opposition coalition be allowed to compete in 2027? The Supreme Court answered that question in the strongest possible terms by setting aside a controversial “status quo ante bellum” order that had threatened to keep the party in legal limbo indefinitely. According to the lead judgment delivered by Justice Mohammed Garba, the order issued by the Court of Appeal in March had been “unnecessary, unwarranted and improper.” The court held that once appeals had been concluded, there was no longer any ongoing matter that needed preservation, and that continuing the order beyond that point had been legally unsustainable.
The impact was immediate and tangible. Within hours of the judgment, INEC updated its official website to reinstate Mark as National Chairman and Aregbesola as National Secretary, alongside other key members of the National Working Committee. This restoration, which effectively reversed the commission’s April 1 decision, was celebrated by the Mark-led ADC as a major victory for due process and party stability. However, the euphoria was tempered by the recognition that the substantive suit filed by the rival faction, led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, is still pending at the Federal High Court. The Supreme Court directed the lower court to proceed expeditiously on its merits, meaning that the legal battle over the party’s leadership is not yet fully concluded.
The widespread jubilation that followed the ruling was not merely a spontaneous expression of party loyalty. It was, as several analysts noted, a reflection of the deep desire among millions of Nigerians for a viable alternative to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections. A former member of the House of Representatives, Farah Dagogo, who is a chieftain of the ADC in Rivers State, told reporters that the widespread celebration was “indicative of Nigerians’ desire for a better future.” Dagogo emphasised that the ADC now faces a pivotal moment, as the party represents the hopes and aspirations of millions of Nigerians grappling with economic struggles, insecurity, and poor governance. He urged the party to remain united, avoid internal conflicts, and focus on assembling a strong team of capable leaders who can address the nation’s pressing challenges.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is widely expected to be the party’s presidential candidate in 2027, also welcomed the verdict but immediately cautioned against complacency. In a statement released on Thursday evening, Atiku described the outcome as a collective victory belonging to “the courageous millions who refuse to surrender their future.” He reminded supporters that the road ahead “remains long in our cause to take back and rescue our country” and stressed that “eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.” Atiku’s measured response reflected a broader understanding that while the Supreme Court had cleared an immediate legal obstacle, the political work of building a united opposition has still not been done.
The ADC itself issued a statement celebrating the ruling while also pointing to what it called a “troubling pattern of interference, bad faith, and attempts to weaken opposition voices in Nigeria.” Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, said the judgment confirmed the legitimacy of the party’s structures and leadership, but warned that the ADC “will not be intimidated, distracted, or silenced.” The party renewed its call for the resignation of the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, arguing that the integrity and neutrality required of the office had been compromised by the events leading up to the case.
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