The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has clarified that the recent ruling of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria did not determine the dispute over the party’s national leadership.
In a statement on Saturday, the party said the appeal filed by its National Chairman, David Mark, was only procedural and did not resolve the substantive case currently before the Federal High Court of Nigeria.
The ADC explained that the suit challenging the emergence of Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary is still pending and has not yet been heard or determined on its merits.
According to the party, the appellate court did not grant any relief to the plaintiff nor issue any order altering the existing leadership structure.
“The Court of Appeal did not determine the substantive dispute regarding the leadership of the ADC,” the statement said.
It added, “The case challenging the emergence of Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary is still pending before the Federal High Court and has not yet been heard or decided on its merits.”
The party further noted that the appellate court directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the main suit.
“Importantly, the Court of Appeal did not grant any relief in favour of the plaintiff, nor did it issue any order affecting the leadership structure of the party.
On the contrary, the court ordered that parties should maintain the status quo,” the ADC stated.
The party urged its members and supporters not to be misled by misinterpretations of the judgment.
“Members of the ADC are therefore advised not to panic or be misled by misinterpretations of the judgment.
The ruling of the Court of Appeal is purely procedural and does not affect the legitimacy or tenure of the current national leadership of the party,” the statement added.
The ADC also maintained that it remains united and focused despite what it described as attempts by “anti-democratic forces” to destabilise the party.