ADC Protesters Demand Court Protect Party Leadership

Protesters affiliated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) demonstrated at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, demanding that the judiciary protect the opposition party amid ongoing leadership disputes. The protest coincided with the resumption of a suit led by David Mark, the national chairman of ADC, against rival faction leader Nafiu Bala Gomb.

The protesters carried placards urging the court not to become a tool for distracting the opposition. Justice Peter Lifu ordered an accelerated hearing of the leadership tussle, which stems from a protracted internal crisis over control of the ADC.

In April, the Supreme Court set aside a previous court appeal order that mandated the party to maintain the status quo. The court's unanimous decision by a five-member panel remitted the case back to the Federal High Court for an expedited hearing of the substantive suit filed by Bala Gomb, challenging the legality of the current party leadership.

The INEC has been directed to restore David Mark's leadership status.