The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has thrown its weight behind the position of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), insisting that courts have no authority to meddle in internal party affairs.
In a statement released on Saturday in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the NBA’s caution against judicial overreach reinforces ADC’s long-held stance on the illegitimacy of such court actions.
Abdullahi noted that the NBA’s position sheds light on what he described as persistent attempts to weaken the leadership headed by David Mark through legal manoeuvres, arguing that such actions run contrary to established electoral laws.
He stressed that the matter at hand does not qualify as genuine litigation, but rather a calculated move to manipulate the judiciary for political gain.
According to him, the tactics employed amount to an abuse of court processes, including forum shopping and what he termed “malafide litigation,” allegedly designed to destabilise the party’s recognised leadership.
The ADC spokesman further maintained that any court ruling secured in violation of statutory provisions holds no legal weight and cannot be used to justify actions affecting the party’s leadership.
He expressed worry over the continued involvement of the judiciary in matters deemed outside its jurisdiction, warning that such actions risk creating unnecessary confusion and false narratives about the party’s leadership structure.
Abdullahi also praised the NBA for standing firm on the rule of law and for cautioning legal practitioners against conduct capable of eroding judicial credibility and democratic values.
Referring to the NBA’s recommendation for sanctions against erring lawyers, he said the move highlights the gravity of the alleged infractions.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain strict neutrality and refrain from endorsing processes that contradict the provisions of the Electoral Act.
Abdullahi added that the issue goes beyond ADC’s internal crisis, describing it as a critical test of Nigeria’s democratic integrity.
He reaffirmed the party’s resolve to pursue all lawful avenues to protect its mandate and uphold democratic principles.
