ADC Gets CTC Of Judgment Sacking Mark, Annuling Atiku Candidacy, But Says Time Is Too Short

The Presidential Campaign Council of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has confirmed receiving the certified true copy of the judgment sacking the leadership of David Mark.

Last week, a Federal High Court presided over by Justice Peter Lifu ordered the sack of Mark, annulling the candidacy of Atiku Abubakar, Presidential Candidate of the Party, and other candidates produced through primaries conducted under Mark.

The judge gave the ruling in a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe who kicked against the manner in which Mark assumed leadership position of the party.

The aggrieved politician had said as Vice Chairman (North), he was supposed to take over the party when the former chairman resigned.

But the party blamed the crisis on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that President Bola Tinubu was plotting to stop Atiku through the courts.

The ADC subsequently demanded CTC of the judgement so as to file an appeal.

In a statement on Wednesday, Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC PCC, said, “Justice Peter Lifu has finally released the duly authenticated copy of his judgment, on the final day of the seven-day period prescribed by the Constitution. Releasing a consequential judgment on the last permitted day leaves the African Democratic Congress with precious little time to study it and prepare its next legal steps.”

“Section 294(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provides: ‘Every court established under this Constitution shall deliver its decision in writing not later than ninety days after the conclusion of evidence and final addresses and furnish all parties to the cause or matter determined with duly authenticated copies of the decision within seven days of the delivery thereof.’”

“The ADC will study the judgment and pursue every lawful remedy available. But the timing of the release raises serious concern, especially as our party continues to face actions that obstruct its campaign and political consultations.”

Shaibu also alleged that the Kaduna government had sealed the historic Arewa House, the proposed venue for Atiku’s consultation with Northern stakeholders on Thursday.

“Arewa House is part of the shared heritage of the diverse peoples of Northern Nigeria. Sealing it to prevent a political consultation is an affront to their culture and dignity.”

“My campaign team had proposed the Arewa House as the venue for our consultation with stakeholders on Thursday and, today, the APC government decided to seal the building.”

“This is a troubling pattern. During our campaign flag-off in Sokoto, the APC government also tried to frustrate us. The people stood firm, and their will prevailed. Now, as Atiku prepares to consult stakeholders at Arewa House, the venue has been sealed.”

“We hold President Bola Tinubu and the APC politically responsible for this pattern of obstruction. An outgoing president and a ruling party should respect democratic competition, not use public authority to impede the opposition, restrict political consultation or weaken Nigerians’ right to choose.”

“We will not be intimidated. We thank Nigerians across the country for their massive support, solidarity and encouragement. Your resolve strengthens ours. The ADC will continue its consultations, pursue its legal rights and take its message of a new direction to the people.”