PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has reacted strongly to the Supreme Court judgment affirming Senator David Mark as the authentic National Chairman of the party, describing the ruling as a decisive intervention that preserved Nigeria’s democracy.
Eze said the apex court’s decision not only settled the protracted leadership dispute within the ADC but also restored confidence in the judiciary at a time many Nigerians believe democratic institutions are under pressure.
In a statement issued on Friday, the party stalwart criticised key government officials, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Amupitan, accusing them of actions he claimed undermined democratic principles.
He alleged that recent developments within the judiciary and political system had created widespread concern among Nigerians, noting that Thursday’s ruling came as a surprise reversal of what he described as earlier controversial decisions by lower courts and electoral authorities.
Eze expressed gratitude that the Supreme Court, in his words, “rescued” the party from what he termed an existential crisis, insisting that the judgment reaffirmed the supremacy of due process and internal party democracy.
According to him, the verdict has now laid to rest all disputes surrounding the ADC leadership, providing an opportunity for unity and strategic repositioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged party members and stakeholders to rally behind the leadership of David Mark, stressing that cohesion at the top would strengthen the party’s capacity to function as a credible opposition platform.
The ADC chieftain further argued that the ruling would contribute significantly to Nigeria’s evolving legal framework on political party administration, particularly in clarifying the limits of judicial and institutional interference in internal party matters.
Eze also called for the resignation of the INEC Chairman, accusing him of partisanship and selective compliance with court orders, citing what he described as inconsistencies in handling similar cases involving other political parties.
He maintained that institutions like INEC must remain neutral arbiters in Nigeria’s democratic process, warning that any perception of bias could erode public trust and weaken electoral integrity.
While commending the Supreme Court justices for what he described as a courageous decision, Eze warned that any contrary ruling could have further deepened concerns about judicial credibility.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, assuring that the ADC remains committed to offering what he called a credible alternative anchored on transparency, rule of law, and people-oriented governance.
