Promoter, All Democratic Alliance Umar Ardo has criticised the Federal High Court’s ruling on the leadership dispute within the association, arguing that the court ignored evidence presented by his group and improperly interfered in the association’s internal affairs.
Speaking during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Ardo maintained that the leadership changes communicated to INEC were lawful and insisted that the court had no authority to impose leaders on the association.
On the court’s judgment, he stated:
“It is not within the purview of the court to impose leadership on us. And exactly that is what it did yesterday.”
Expressing disappointment with the ruling, Ardo accused the court of disregarding the facts presented before it.
“When the administration of the law becomes a hindrance to the dispensation of justice, then the courts lose their essence.”
On the evidence presented before the court, Ardo argued that key individuals challenging the leadership had already aligned themselves with another political platform.
“All the evidence has shown, and we presented all this evidence. But the court just refused to listen.”
Speaking on the association’s next steps, Ardo confirmed that an appeal and an application for a stay of execution had already been filed.
“This morning we have filed notice of appeal, stay of execution and they are going to be served today.”
On the impact of the judgment, he described it as only a temporary setback.
“It is a little setback. If we win in the Court of Appeal, then what is the essence of what the High Court has done?”
Addressing the order directing INEC to release the association’s access code within 72 hours, Ardo said the outcome would depend on the court’s decision on the stay of execution.
“If the court accepts it, fine. If it doesn’t accept it, then we will file it at the Court of Appeal.”
On the broader dispute, Ardo maintained that the individuals challenging the current leadership had already left the association and could not simultaneously belong to another political platform.
“You cannot be in two parties at the same time.”
Criticising the judiciary more broadly, Ardo argued that weaknesses within the judicial system were contributing to Nigeria’s political disputes.
“We must make sure that we get judges that have integrity, that know the law, and that can do what is right.”
On his interpretation of the political implications of the case, Ardo suggested the leadership dispute was linked to broader electoral calculations.
“I believe this is exactly the political aspect of what happened yesterday in the courts.”
Concluding, Ardo said political participation in Nigeria requires resilience despite recurring legal and political challenges.
“The political party terrain is not for the lily-livered. You have to have a lot of guts to be there and survive for a long period of time.”
Goodness Anunobi
