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The Yoruba Radical Assembly has urged political parties, supporters and other stakeholders to respect the Federal High Court judgment nullifying the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the actions taken by the leadership, including the process that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate.
The group said the development should serve as a reminder that Nigeria’s democratic system must be guided by the rule of law, constitutional procedures and respect for the decisions of judicial institutions.
In a statement issued in Lagos, the Secretary General of the Yoruba Radical Assembly, Omolola Olukayode, said the judgment should not be reduced to a contest between political camps, personalities or supporters. She maintained that the central issue is the responsibility of every political organisation to conduct its affairs in line with its constitution and the laws of the country.
Olukayode noted that the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, delivered its judgment on November 5, 2026, following a legal challenge to the process through which the Mark-led leadership emerged. The court upheld the plaintiff’s claims and nullified the leadership structure and consequential actions identified in its ruling.
She stressed that political parties are expected to demonstrate internal democracy, transparency and accountability, particularly in the selection of their leaders and candidates for public office.
The Yoruba Radical Assembly said the matter should be approached from the standpoint of the law rather than political loyalty or emotional reactions. It noted that the strength of a democracy is measured by the willingness of political actors to respect institutions, including the judiciary, even when decisions do not align with their expectations.
Olukayode further stated that while the ADC has indicated its intention to challenge the judgment, the right to appeal must be exercised through the appropriate judicial process. She maintained that political disagreement should never become an excuse for disobedience to lawful court orders or attacks on democratic institutions.
The group called on political leaders and their supporters to avoid inflammatory statements capable of heightening tension, urging them to allow the judicial process to proceed without intimidation, threats or unnecessary public confrontation.
It also encouraged Nigerians, particularly young people, to pay closer attention to the constitutional and legal processes that shape political parties. According to the group, meaningful democratic participation requires citizens who understand their rights as well as their responsibilities.
The Yoruba Radical Assembly said Nigeria’s democracy would be stronger when political actors accept that no individual or party is above the law and that the courts remain an important part of the constitutional process.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to democratic accountability, civic awareness and respect for the rule of law, urging all stakeholders to place the stability of the country above personal and partisan interests.
Signed:
Omolola Olukayode
Secretary General
Yoruba Radical Assembly
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