The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said that the judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal in Abuja on Monday regarding the partyβs congresses does not affect the emergence of its candidates through direct primaries.
In a statement issued on Monday, by the ADC spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the appellate courtβs decision related to the election of its ward, local government and state executive committees, stressing that the ruling has no bearing on the direct primaries conducted by the party at various levels.
βThe African Democratic Congress (ADC) notes the judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal in Abuja on Monday in a matter relating to party congresses for the election of ward, local government and state executive committees of the party,β the statement read.
The party assured its members and supporters that the outcome of the case would not invalidate the candidacies of those who emerged through its primary election process.
βWe wish to assure members of the Party and the general public that this judgment has no effect whatsoever on the direct primaries through which the Partyβs candidates have emerged at all levels,β the ADC stated.
The party also disclosed that it had commenced the process of challenging the judgment at the Supreme Court, maintaining that the decision was flawed in law.
βThe party has already commenced the process of appealing the judgment, which we respectfully disagree with and consider to be legally unsustainable,β it said.
ADC further drew attention to the dissenting opinion delivered by the presiding Justice, arguing that it aligns more closely with established legal principles and the partyβs position on the matter.
βWe also note the dissenting judgment of the presiding Justice, which, in our view, more accurately reflects the settled position of the law and the Partyβs position,β the statement added.
Calling for calm among its members and supporters, the party urged them to remain focused on its political objectives despite the court ruling.
βWe urge all Party members and the millions of our supporters to remain calm, confident and focused,β the ADC said.
The opposition party reiterated its commitment to providing what it described as a credible alternative for Nigerians and pledged to continue pursuing its mission within the framework of the Constitution and the rule of law.
βThe African Democratic Congress remains committed to the task of providing Nigerians with a credible alternative and will continue to pursue that mission in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law,β the statement concluded.