By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
Presidential aspirant and former Nigerian Economic Summit Group chairman, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has described the recent judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria affirming the leadership of Senator David Mark as a critical reinforcement of the rule of law and due process in Nigeria’s democratic system.
Reacting in a statement issued by his media office, Hayatu-Deen said the ruling, which also affirmed former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), underscores the importance of strong institutions and credible internal party processes.
“The judgment represents a significant affirmation of the rule of law and the primacy of due process in our democratic journey,” he said, adding that political party structures must be protected from undue interference to maintain their legitimacy.
Hayatu-Deen noted that sustainable democracies are built on institutions that operate transparently and in accordance with established rules, warning against any attempt to distort internal processes for political expediency.
“The internal processes of political parties must not be subject to artificial distortions, as they are central to the health and legitimacy of our democratic system,” he stated.
While welcoming the stability brought by the Supreme Court’s decision, the ADC chieftain stressed that the party must now shift focus from legal battles to addressing Nigeria’s pressing socio-economic challenges.
He highlighted rising cost of living, insecurity, and limited economic opportunities as critical issues affecting Nigerians, noting that millions of citizens continue to struggle under worsening conditions.
“Nigerian households are contending with rising living costs, while insecurity and unemployment remain major concerns,” he said, urging the party to present a clear and practical roadmap for national development.
According to him, the immediate task before the ADC is to translate the stability provided by the court ruling into a coherent strategy that delivers measurable improvements in citizens’ lives, particularly in areas of security, job creation, and economic stability.
Hayatu-Deen congratulated Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola on the affirmation of their leadership, calling on party members and stakeholders to rally around a shared vision.
“We must align around a common purpose that prioritises competence, inclusivity, and results-driven governance,” he said.
He emphasised that the ultimate test of leadership lies not in legal victories but in delivering tangible outcomes that improve the welfare of Nigerians.
