…Assembles 310-lawyer team
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns over potential legal intimidation from the current administration as the party intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The warning came from the party’s Interim National Chairman, Senator David Mark, who expressed fears that the presidency could exploit judicial mechanisms to derail the ADC’s growing momentum.
Senator Mark made the remarks in Abuja while receiving the ADC’s National Legal Support Group, led by Abdullahi Abdurrahman. The team comprises 310 lawyers who have volunteered to defend the party in all existing and forthcoming legal battles across Nigeria.
The legal team, according to Abdurrahman, is fully operational with representation in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. He affirmed their readiness to respond to any legal challenges, stating: “We are prepared to handle any case that may arise against ADC anywhere in the country.”
The group includes notable legal figures such as the ADC’s Legal Adviser, Barrister Peter Oyewole; former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN); and former Governor of Edo State and legal academic, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor.
Abdurrahman said the lawyers were drawn to the party’s legal team by their confidence in the ADC leadership’s capacity to reposition the party and contribute to Nigeria’s national development. He also encouraged Senator Mark to provide strategic leadership to take the party to greater heights, describing him as a man of integrity.
He urged Barrister Oyewole to supply all relevant legal documentation and updates to enable the legal team to operate effectively.
In response, Oyewole assured the group that all procedures concerning the recent coalition that gave rise to the restructured ADC were handled lawfully. “There is no cause for alarm. All legal protocols surrounding the merger were properly observed,” he said.
Despite this assurance, Senator Mark reiterated his apprehension over what he described as possible judicial interference. “ADC is the party to beat in 2027. The current administration may attempt to use the courts to stifle our progress,” he stated.
He appealed to Nigerians to rally behind the ADC, describing it as a credible and patriotic alternative in the country’s political landscape. Senator Mark commended the legal team for its commitment and advised them to remain vigilant as the party consolidates its position ahead of the next general elections.
With expanding grassroots support and a robust legal structure, the ADC has signalled its preparedness to defend its platform and participate actively in the 2027 political contest.