The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has defended its celebration of the recent Supreme Court judgement, following claims in some quarters that the ruling was a “pyrrhic victory” and not worth celebrating.
In a statement released by the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC described such arguments as misleading and dangerous, stressing that the party is operating in a tough political environment where opposition voices are often pressured and underestimated. He said the judgement was an important battle won, even though the larger mission remains to win the 2027 elections and prevent Nigeria from sliding into a one-party state.
Abdullahi added that the party’s celebration was not a sign that the struggle is over, but a signal that ADC is still standing. He noted that the party has returned to work immediately, insisting that the fight continues in the courts, public space, and political arena until its ultimate objective is achieved.
Below is the full statement:
There has been a deliberate attempt in some quarters to diminish the significance of the recent Supreme Court judgement, framing it as a “pyrrhic victory” or questioning why members of the African Democratic Congress chose to celebrate.
This line of argument is not only misleading, it is dangerous. We do not need conspiracy theories to understand the environment in which we operate. It is evident that we are in a fiercely contested political space, one where opposition voices are often tested, pressured, and underestimated. Yes, we are the underdog in this moment. But we are not without experience. Within the ADC are battle-tested leaders and resilient members who have navigated difficult political terrains and who understand, clearly, what victory looks like.
Let us be clear: the struggle before us is bigger than any single court decision. The mission is to ensure that the ADC not only contests, but wins the 2027 elections, and that Nigeria does not slide into a one-party state. That mission remains fully intact.
But wars are not won in a single moment. They are built through a series of battles. Yesterday was one such battle, and it was won.
For a movement that has faced sustained pressure, that victory mattered. It was right to acknowledge it. It was necessary to celebrate it, not as a conclusion, but as a signal, that we are still in the fight, and still standing.
Does this mean the war is over? Absolutely not.
Yes, we celebrated yesterday. Today, we have returned to the trenches.
The work continues, in the courts of law, in the court of public opinion, and in the theatres of politics. And we remain committed, focused, and resolute until the ultimate objective is achieved.