Public affairs commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has cautioned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) against premature celebration following its recent Supreme Court victory, warning that the ruling could pose strategic risks for the party.

In a post shared on his official X handle on Thursday, Shehu described the judgment as “pregnant” and potentially a trap if the party becomes complacent.

“ADC, its members and sympathisers may have reason to celebrate today’s Supreme Court judgment,” he wrote.

“But looking closer at the stakes, the judgment is pregnant and a trap set for the ADC to relax.”

Shehu explained that the apex court’s decision was delivered on an interlocutory appeal and does not amount to a final determination of the substantive dispute, which remains before the Federal High Court.

According to him, the legal battle is far from over, noting that proceedings will continue at the lower court.

He also drew attention to the rigid nature of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable, warning that prolonged litigation could undermine the party’s electoral prospects.

“The INEC timetable is time-bound, strict and irreversible because it is guided by the provisions of the Electoral Act,” he said.

Shehu further noted that whichever faction loses at the Federal High Court is likely to pursue appeals up to the Supreme Court, potentially prolonging the dispute.

“If either Nafiu or David Mark group loses at the Federal High Court, an appeal to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court is inevitable,” he added.

He warned that even a favourable final judgment for the ADC could come too late to have practical electoral impact.

“From the strict INEC timetable and the likelihood of the matter not being disposed of up to the Supreme Court, even if ADC succeeds, it would have a success in futility,” he stated.

According to him, by that stage, INEC may have progressed too far in its preparations to accommodate any late changes.

Shehu urged the party to remain vigilant and proactive.

“Therefore, ADC must brace up, tighten its belt and prepare for more democratic and political landmines and explosives,” he advised.