The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed claims that a court order restrained David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from functioning as the party’s national chairman and secretary.
In a statement issued on Thursday, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi clarified that Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court had on September 4 rejected an ex parte application filed by party chieftain Nafiu Bala.
According to Abdullahi, the judge instead directed that Mark and Aregbesola be notified to appear in court and explain why the application should not be granted. The case was subsequently adjourned to September 15.
He accused opponents of spreading fake news, falsely claiming that the court restrained the duo from parading themselves as party leaders.
“Resorting to fake news has become the last resort of desperate political jobbers who were disappointed by INEC’s decision to stand on the side of the Nigerian people by acknowledging the leadership change in the party,” Abdullahi said.
He added that the court’s order was duly signed by Justice Nwite and certified by Kasope Kafayat Bola, Registrar of the Federal High Court.
“Having failed to stop INEC from acknowledging the leadership change in ADC, the political jobbers are now resorting to fake news. This goes to show that these agents of destabilisation will stop at nothing, including misrepresenting court rulings, in their desperate efforts to sow confusion and further undermine opposition parties,” the statement read.
The spokesperson urged party members and Nigerians to remain vigilant against misinformation and politically motivated reports.
On Wednesday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially recognised the ADC National Working Committee (NWC) led by David Mark.
