By Nefishetu Yakubu
A former Chairman of Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen says the Supreme Court ruling on ADC’s leadership dispute signals urgent need for shared direction.
Reacting to Thursday’s apex court ruling affirming the Sen. David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC), Hayatu-Deen congratulated Mark on the legal victory.
In a statement signed by his media office, Hayatu-Deen said the judgment reaffirmed due process as essential for sustaining democratic institutions.
He noted that the integrity of internal party mechanisms must be protected from external manipulation to preserve institutional credibility and democratic legitimacy.
“The judgment delivered today by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, affirming Sen. David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, represents affirmation of due process,” he said.
He noted that the ruling reinforced the rule of law and underscored the primacy of transparent processes in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Hayatu-Deen stated that sustainable democracies were anchored on strong institutions whose credibility depends on respect for rules, transparency and lawful outcomes.
According to him, the judgment also underscores the necessity of preserving the sanctity of Nigeria’s democratic space and protecting party structures from distortion.
He said that internal political party processes must not be subjected to artificial distortions, as they remained central to democratic health and legitimacy.
Hayatu-Deen, however, said the legal victory must be viewed within broader national realities confronting ordinary Nigerians daily.
He noted that households were grappling with rising living cost of living while terrorists, bandits and kidnappers continued violent attacks against defenceless citizens nationwide.
“The imperative before us as a party is clear: that we must provide a vision of safety, opportunity and prosperity,” he added.
He said that the stability created by the judgment must now translate into a coherent national development strategy for Nigerians.
According to him, what ultimately matters is measurable improvement in citizens’ daily lives through better security, affordable living and sustainable employment opportunities.
Hayatu-Deen congratulated Mark and Aregbesola on the affirmation of their leadership by the apex court.
He also urged ADC leaders, members and stakeholders to unite around a shared vision prioritising competence, inclusivity and results-driven governance.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
NY/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq
