Members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) loyal to former Senate President David Mark on Monday staged a protest at the Federal High Court in Abuja, urging the judiciary to resist any attempt to undermine opposition politics in Nigeria.

The demonstration comes amid an ongoing legal battle over the leadership of the party between the David Mark-led faction and a rival group headed by Nafiu Bala.

Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the protesters alleged that the lawsuit instituted by Bala is a deliberate attempt to distract and weaken the opposition party at a critical period in the nation's political landscape.

The dispute stems from a leadership tussle that has generated a series of court actions and conflicting claims to the party's national leadership.

Recall that in April, the Supreme Court nullified an earlier order of the Court of Appeal in Abuja directing parties in the dispute to maintain the status quo ante bellum. The appellate court's decision had prompted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition of the David Mark-led leadership.

In a unanimous judgment delivered by a five-member panel, the apex court subsequently directed the parties to return to the Federal High Court for an accelerated hearing of the substantive suit filed by an aggrieved party chieftain, Nafiu Bala.

The protesters maintained that the judiciary must remain impartial and ensure that the legal process is not exploited to frustrate the activities of opposition parties.

Details later…