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On Thursday, Nigeria’s Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered a significant judgment in the leadership crisis affecting the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a unanimous ruling by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, the court nullified a previous directive of the Court of Appeal which had ordered parties to maintain the status quo.

The apex court held that the appellate court acted beyond its jurisdiction after dismissing the appeal before it.

However, it did not clearly identify the legitimate leadership of the ADC, instead directing all parties to return to the trial court for continuation of the case.

“It’s victory for Nigeria” — ADC chieftains

Reactions from political stakeholders indicate that the judgment has boosted confidence within the ADC, though it has not firmly established the party as Nigeria’s leading opposition platform.

Speaking in an exclusively interview after the ruling, Mansur Umar Kurugu, spokesperson II for the Kwankwasiyya Movement, described the judgment as proof that justice still prevails.

“This gives us more confidence in our judicial system,” he said.

“It simply signals that no matter what, there are still institutions within this country which do not mortgage their integrity and their values,” he added.

Kurugu also criticised the electoral body, alleging bias.

“We have seen what INEC has been doing, with their chairman, who is perceived to be an APC member, trying to deny the opposition a chance to contest.”

He added that the ruling has renewed hope among citizens who depend on the judiciary.

However, another voice within the party rejected the notion that the ruling favours any faction.

According to Dumebi Kachikwu, neither side can claim victory.

“Today, the Supreme Court of Nigeria displayed King Solomon’s wisdom in refusing to be used as a tool of destabilisation by the David Mark-led group when it directed both factions to return to the trial court for continuation of the trial.”

His position suggests that the ADC remains divided, limiting its immediate ability to function as a unified opposition force.

Impact on coalition talks and 2027 preparations

Adnan Mukhtar, a former Kano State House of Assembly aspirant and ADC member, in an exclusive interview, expressed optimism about the party’s future despite the uncertainty.

“It is a very good development for the country. As you know, the ADC is the only opposition political party that is serious about challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Nigerians all over the country are jubilating.

“People are happy. It is a wake-up call to the ADC to do the needful by fielding qualified, competent candidates in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

“As you know, the judiciary is the last hope of the common man, and Today it has proven that it is indeed the last hope of the Nigerian opposition.”

Mukhtar added that the judgment creates room for the party to continue its activities.

The ruling effectively allows the ADC to proceed with preparations such as primaries and the sale of nomination forms.

However, analysts argue that without a final decision on leadership, potential coalition partners may remain cautious about fully aligning with the party as a central opposition force.

While the Supreme Court ruling has revived momentum within the ADC and reassured some opposition figures, the party will still continue its case at the Federal High Court.

Nafi’u Bala makes claims

Reacting to the ruling in an interview with DCL Hausa, Nafiu Bala, described as the man “holding the ADC on its toes,” accused the David Mark faction of spreading propaganda to suit its interests.

He said, “How does dismissing a case mean victory? I am the authentic ADC leader in Nigeria.

“I will fight this until we get our party back from people who ruined theirs.

“They are not ADC members; they are coalition members, that’s what we call them.”

Several ADC leaders, including Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Atiku Abubakar, have reacted to the ruling with cautious optimism, reminding members that while it is a positive development, the legal battle is not yet concluded.

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