Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Thursday welcomed the Supreme Court judgment affirming David Mark as National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, urging Nigerians not to relent in what he described as a broader struggle for the country’s future.
In a statement, Atiku said, “Even as we welcome the Supreme Court’s firm affirmation of David Mark and the leadership of our great party, the African Democratic Congress, let no one be lulled into complacency.
“The road ahead remains long in our cause to take back and rescue our country.”
The apex court had earlier set aside a controversial “status quo ante bellum” order issued during proceedings in the ADC leadership dispute, holding that such preservative directives cannot subsist once a matter has been effectively concluded.
In the lead judgment, Justice Mohammed Garba ruled that while courts possess inherent powers to issue preservative orders, such powers apply only where there is an ongoing subject matter to protect. He held that once proceedings have been “fully, faithfully, conclusively and finally concluded,” there is “nothing left” to preserve, rendering the continuation of such orders invalid.
The court also found that the appeal challenging the lower court’s directives was incompetent, as it did not arise from a decision granting or refusing an injunction. It stressed that obtaining leave of court in such circumstances is a “condition precedent,” and failure to do so affects the jurisdiction of the court.
Reacting to the ruling, Atiku described the outcome as a collective victory, stating, “This victory belongs to Nigerians, the courageous millions who refuse to surrender their future.”
He thanked supporters and urged them to remain resolute, noting that “the struggle is far from over.”
He added that citizens must remain vigilant in defending democratic values, stressing that the court’s decision, while significant, forms part of a broader political effort to strengthen opposition forces and shape Nigeria’s democratic trajectory.
The Punch
