A presidential aspirant under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has described the Supreme Court ruling affirming the Senator David Mark leadership as a stabilising force, urging members to build on the momentum to deliver a credible national alternative.
Reacting to the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which upheld the leadership of the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC), Hayatu-Deen said the decision reinforces due process and strengthens democratic institutions within the party.
“The judgment delivered today… represents a significant affirmation of the rule of law and the primacy of due process in our democratic journey,” he said in a statement issued by his media office, which also confirmed Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
He stressed that strong institutions are the backbone of sustainable democracy, adding that credibility depends on adherence to rules and transparency. “These institutions remain credible only when rules are respected, processes are transparent, and outcomes are guided by law rather than expediency,” he stated.
Hayatu-Deen warned against interference in party affairs, noting that “the internal processes of political parties must not be subject to artificial distortions,” as they are central to the legitimacy of the democratic system.
Beyond the legal victory, he urged party stakeholders to confront Nigeria’s broader socio-economic challenges, including insecurity, rising living costs, and 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, highlighting concerns over terrorism, banditry, and economic hardship facing households and businesses.
He added that the stability created by the ruling must translate into tangible outcomes for citizens. “The stability that this judgment brings… must now be translated into a coherent strategy for national development,” he said, emphasizing improvements in security, cost of living, and job creation.
Hayatu-Deen congratulated the party leadership and called for unity within the ADC. “I congratulate Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on the affirmation of their leadership,” he said, urging members to align around “a shared vision—one that prioritises competence, inclusivity, and results-driven governance.”