ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Thursday welcomed the Supreme Court judgment affirming David Mark as National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), but cautioned that the political battle ahead remains far from over.
Reacting to the ruling, Atiku urged Nigerians not to become complacent, describing the judgment as only one step in a broader struggle for the country’s future.
“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,” he said.
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The apex court had earlier set aside a controversial “status quo ante bellum” order issued during proceedings in the ADC leadership dispute, ruling that such preservative directives cannot remain in force once a matter has been conclusively determined.
In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Mohammed Garba, the court held that while courts possess inherent powers to issue preservative orders, such powers apply strictly where there is an ongoing subject matter to protect.
According to the court, once proceedings have been “fully, faithfully, conclusively and finally concluded,” there is “nothing left” to preserve, making the continuation of such orders invalid.
The court further ruled that the appeal challenging the lower court’s directives was incompetent because 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,” adding that failure to do so robs the court of jurisdiction.
Despite the legal victory, Atiku framed the outcome as a collective achievement for Nigerians rather than a personal or party triumph.
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“This victory belongs to Nigerians, the courageous millions who refuse to surrender their future,” he said.
He also thanked supporters across the country and urged them to remain steadfast, insisting that the larger political objective is still unfolding.
“The struggle is far from over,” he added, calling on citizens to stay vigilant in defending democratic values.
Atiku maintained that while the judgment is significant, it represents only part of a wider political effort to strengthen opposition forces and shape Nigeria’s democratic trajectory moving forward.