The Atiku Media Office has said the African Democratic Congress has overcome major legal obstacles ahead of the 2027 general elections following a Court of Appeal judgment that nullified a Federal High Court decision seeking the deregistration of the party and other political parties.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, the media office described the appellate court's ruling as a victory for constitutional democracy, the rule of law and Nigeria's multi-party system, while commending the justices for what it called their courage and commitment to justice.
According to the statement, the judgment, alongside an earlier Federal High Court ruling affirming the leadership of the ADC under former Senate President David Mark, has effectively resolved all pending legal disputes over the party's leadership and status.
The media office said the Court of Appeal held that the judgment delivered by the lower court on June 15 was a nullity because it was issued despite a subsisting order of the appellate court.
It added that the appellate court also ruled that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to institute the suit, describing their claims as speculative and without legal merit.
The statement further noted that the court clarified the interpretation of Section 225A of the Constitution, holding that the action was premature because the Osun and Ekiti electoral cycles were still ongoing when the case was filed.
According to the Atiku Media Office, the appellate court also faulted the trial court for disregarding affidavit evidence presented by the Independent National Electoral Commission, which affirmed that the ADC and the affected political parties had complied with constitutional and statutory requirements.
"The judgment is not only a victory for the ADC but also for every Nigerian who believes that democracy must thrive through free political competition rather than litigation aimed at excluding political opponents from the democratic process," the statement read.
The media office cautioned against using the judiciary and other state institutions to determine political contests, insisting that electoral disputes should ultimately be resolved by voters at the ballot box.
It also expressed appreciation to the justices of the Court of Appeal for what it described as an impartial and constitutionally sound judgment, saying the decision had strengthened public confidence in the judiciary and reaffirmed the supremacy of the rule of law.
The statement maintained that the ADC remained confident that justice and the democratic choice of Nigerians would prevail as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
