ADC Protesters Demand Court Judgment Copy Amid Leadership Dispute

Members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) protested in Abuja on Wednesday, demanding a copy of a court judgment that nullified their party’s leadership under David Mark.

The protest took place outside the Federal High Court, where demonstrators accused Justice Peter Lifu of delaying the release of the judgment from November 5. They argued that this delay was hindering their ability to appeal the ruling at a higher court.

Protesters also visited the United Nations, European Union, and embassies of the United Kingdom and United States, delivering letters requesting support for their cause. They emphasized the need for due process and credible elections in Nigeria.

Yusuf Shehu Tijani, a former ADC chairman in the Federal Capital Territory, criticized the judgment as unfair. He urged the National Judicial Council to intervene and ensure that the court releases the necessary documents for their appeal.

The ADC had filed an appeal shortly after the judgment was made, but claimed they had not received the certified copy of the ruling despite following the proper procedures and paying required fees.

In a petition to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, they expressed concern that the delay could undermine their constitutional right to appeal. They warned that if they cannot access the judgment before election deadlines, their right to appeal would be meaningless.

The November 5 ruling not only invalidated David Mark’s leadership but also affected decisions made by the party, including the selection of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate for the upcoming elections.