‘We’re committed to winning’

The African Democratic Congress in Rivers State on Friday said its focus had shifted to winning the 2027 general elections following Thursday’s Supreme Court judgment restoring the Senator David Mark-led national leadership.

The chairman-elect of the party in the state, Chukwudi Dimkpa, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, describing the judgment as a welcome development.

Dimkpa said the apex court set aside the earlier order of the Court of Appeal directing parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum in the ongoing leadership dispute within the party.

Recall that the Supreme Court of Nigeria, in a unanimous decision by a five-man panel, held that the Court of Appeal acted outside its jurisdiction by issuing such an order after dismissing the appeal before it, describing the directive as improper.

Reacting, Dimkpa said, “The ruling represents a significant restoration of legal clarity and due process, reaffirming the principle that judicial actions must remain within the bounds of established jurisdiction.”

He added that the decision provides a clear and lawful pathway forward, while emphasising the party’s commitment to internal democracy, stability and respect for the rule of law.

The ADC chairman-elect noted that with the legal position now clarified, the party in Rivers State had begun intensifying efforts towards strategic preparation for the forthcoming elections.

According to him, the party’s immediate priorities include strengthening grassroots structures across the 23 local government areas, wards and polling units, expanding its membership base through ongoing registration and stakeholder engagement, and building a disciplined, law-abiding and issue-driven political movement.

He said the party would also articulate a clear governance agenda that reflects the aspirations of the people of the state, adding that it was not merely preparing to participate in the elections but positioning itself as a credible alternative ready to win and govern effectively.

Dimkpa reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the rule of law, due process and democratic principles, noting that the Supreme Court’s decision marked a critical step in strengthening institutional integrity within the party and the broader political system.

He called on members, supporters and stakeholders to remain united, focused and committed as the party continues to build a strong, inclusive and forward-looking political platform.

He added that the party remained confident that with unity, discipline and collective resolve, a new and better Rivers State could be achieved.