Screenshot
The Campaign for Dignity in Governance has called on Nigerians and political stakeholders to respect the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja nullifying the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the actions taken by the party under that leadership, including the process that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate.
The group said the matter should be approached strictly from the standpoint of the law and the authority of the court, rather than through political interests, personal sentiments or emotional reactions.
In a statement issued in Lagos, the Convener of the Campaign for Dignity in Governance, Razaq Olokoba, said the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu on November 5, 2026, was a judicial decision that must be respected by all parties until it is set aside by a competent appellate court.
Olokoba stated that the rule of law cannot be selectively embraced only when court decisions favour a particular political party or individual, stressing that obedience to judicial decisions is a fundamental requirement of a constitutional democracy.
“Court nullifies ADC. It is the law of the land. It is not political, and it is not a matter of emotion,” Olokoba declared.
He maintained that political affiliations and personal ambitions should not determine how citizens interpret or respond to judicial pronouncements. According to him, once a court of competent jurisdiction has delivered its decision, the proper response is to respect the judicial process and pursue any disagreement through the legally prescribed channels.
The group noted that the judgment arose from a suit challenging the process through which the Mark-led leadership assumed control of the ADC. The court upheld the plaintiff’s claims and granted the reliefs sought, including orders affecting the party’s leadership and decisions taken under it.
The Campaign for Dignity in Governance said the development also presents an important opportunity for political parties to strengthen their internal democratic processes and ensure that their leadership structures, conventions and candidate selection procedures comply with their constitutions and the laws governing elections.
Olokoba further cautioned against turning legal disputes into political battles capable of deepening divisions among Nigerians. He said parties dissatisfied with the ruling remain entitled to seek redress through the appellate process, but that such legal steps should not be used as a reason to disregard the existing court order.
He added that Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when institutions are respected and the same legal standards apply to all political actors, irrespective of their status, influence or ambition.
The Campaign for Dignity in Governance reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, responsible political participation and respect for democratic institutions, urging Nigerians to remain calm and allow the judicial process to take its course.
Signed:
Razaq Olokoba
Convener
Campaign for Dignity in Governance
About the Author
