…Says internal processes of parties must not be subject to artificial distortions
Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, a former Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and a presidential aspirant under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has said the Supreme Court judgment affirming the party’s leadership underscores the necessity of preserving the sanctity of Nigeria’s democratic space.
Reacting to the judgment delivered on Thursday in Abuja, which upheld the leadership of the Senator David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the ADC, Hayatu-Deen stated that the internal processes of political parties must not be subject to artificial distortions, as they are central to the health and legitimacy of the democratic system.
In a statement issued by his media office, Hayatu-Deen described the ruling as a reaffirmation of the cardinal role of due process in sustaining democratic institutions, adding that the integrity of internal party mechanisms must be protected from external manipulation.
“The judgment delivered today by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, affirming Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, represents a significant affirmation of the rule of law and the primacy of due process in our democratic journey,” he said.
He noted that sustainable democracies are anchored on strong institutions, adding that such institutions remain credible only when rules are respected, processes are transparent, and outcomes are guided by law rather than expediency.
“This ruling underscores the necessity of preserving the sanctity of Nigeria’s democratic space. 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,” Hayatu-Deen stated.
He, however, placed the judgment within the broader context of national challenges, including rising living costs, insecurity, industrial paralysis, and youth unemployment.
“The imperative before us as a party is clear: we must provide a vision of safety, opportunity and prosperity for the Nigerian people,” he said. “The stability that this judgment brings to the African Democratic Congress must now be translated into a coherent strategy for national development.”
Hayatu-Deen congratulated Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on the affirmation of their leadership and called on all leaders, members, and stakeholders within the ADC to align around a shared vision prioritising competence, inclusivity, and results-driven governance.
