By Myke Uzendu
The Forum of African Democratic Congress (ADC) Gubernatorial Candidates has vowed to resist self-help and pursue all available lawful and constitutional means to protect the party’s participation in the 2027 general elections, despite what it described as conflicting court judgments over the party’s leadership.
The forum also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of being uncomfortable with the growing support for the ADC, particularly following the party’s presidential campaign activities in Sokoto and Kebbi states.
Speaking at a press conference at the ADC national headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, the representative of the forum and Kwara State governorship candidate, Hon. Zakari Mohammed, said the party remained committed to the rule of law and would not resort to unconstitutional measures.
Mohammed said the ADC had faced several challenges since its registration but maintained that its members and supporters remained peaceful and law-abiding.
He said the party would continue to explore legitimate democratic channels, including court actions, peaceful protests and public engagement, to ensure that it remained on the ballot in the forthcoming elections.
“We are not resorting to self-help. We are trying to follow all laid-down lawful democratic means to achieve our aim. So, if it comes to protest, we will protest. If it comes to addressing several press conferences, we will do so. We cannot stop talking until we are heard,” he said.
He dismissed suggestions that the party should change its strategy in response to what it considers provocations, arguing that its approach was based on established democratic principles.
“Change of strategy is not necessary because the strategy we are adopting is the universal strategy that allows results to come, except you are talking about a coup, which we are not interested in,” he added.
In a statement presented at the briefing, the forum condemned the November 5, 2026 judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which it said nullified the leadership of the ADC under Senator David Mark and invalidated decisions taken by that leadership.
The candidates argued that the judgment had implications beyond the internal affairs of the party, raising concerns about political participation, judicial consistency and the future of multiparty democracy in Nigeria.
They expressed concern over the relationship between the judgment and an earlier ruling delivered by Justice Musa Liman on July 2, 2026, which they said recognised the legitimacy of the David Mark-led leadership.
The forum called on appellate courts to urgently examine the legal issuesf arising from the two decisions, particularly questions bordering on judicial hierarchy, precedent and the administration of justice.
