ADC Court Nullifies Factional Congresses, Backs State Chairmen

ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the congresses and national convention conducted by the David Mark-led faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik delivered the judgement in Maitama, declaring the activities of the group as kangaroo congresses and convention.

Mr. Dumebi Kachikwu, the ADC Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election, welcomed the ruling, describing it as a clear victory for party democracy.

According to Kachikwu, the judgement has exposed the failure of those he called desperados who tried to hijack the party.

“The judgement has made it clear that these desperados who attempted to hijack our party have failed woefully,” he said in a statement.

The court held that the group lacked the necessary locus standi to organise such congresses.

Justice Abdulmalik further ruled that, due to the leadership vacuum in the ADC, the state chairmen who constitute the National Executive Committee (NEC) are the rightful body to conduct national conventions and congresses at various levels.

The judge directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the state chairmen in this capacity.

Kachikwu, who had consistently warned that the ADC was not for sale, said the ruling serves as a stinging rebuke to political buccaneers seeking to take over the party through the back door.

He urged party faithful to remain vigilant, stressing that the battle for the soul of the ADC is not yet over.

“The ADC will be on next year’s ballot, and any Nigerian who genuinely desires to salvage Nigeria should see the ADC as a ready home,” Kachikwu added.

As political realignments continue ahead of the 2027 general elections, the judgement is expected to reshape the internal dynamics of the ADC, one of the emerging platforms being considered by Nigerians seeking alternatives to the dominant parties.

NaijaChoice News reports that this development reinforces the role of the judiciary in protecting democratic structures within political parties.

The ruling underscores the importance of due process and internal democracy in Nigeria’s multi-party system.