In a landmark judgment delivered on Wednesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising any state congresses conducted by committees appointed by the David Mark-led caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The ruling has far-reaching implications for the ongoing leadership tussle within the ADC and the broader landscape of party politics in Nigeria.
Presiding over the case, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the responsibility for conducting state congresses lies squarely with the party’s state executive committees, not with the national caretaker or interim leadership. The judgment comes amid a period of internal strife in the ADC, with rival factions vying for control and legitimacy at both state and national levels.
The court further affirmed that the four-year tenure of the ADC’s State Working Committees and State Executive Committees remains valid and in force, pending the conduct of properly constituted congresses and the convocation of a national convention. This effectively means that any attempt to dissolve or bypass the existing state organs by the caretaker or interim national committee lacks legal backing.
Justice Abdulmalik emphasized that neither the Nigerian Constitution nor the ADC’s own constitution empowers the David Mark-led caretaker/interim National Working Committee to appoint committees for state congresses. The ruling invalidates all such congresses conducted under their authority and underscores the importance of internal party democracy and constitutional adherence.
The judgment was delivered in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/581/2026, filed by Don Norman Obinna, Johnny Tovie Derek, Obah C. Ehigiator, Hon. Olona Yinka, Dr. Charles Idowu Omideji, Samuel Pam Gyang, and Obianyo Patrick. The plaintiffs, representing themselves and all State Chairmen and State Executive Committees of the ADC, sought judicial intervention to affirm the autonomy and tenure of the duly elected state organs.
Legal analysts say the decision sets a precedent for the autonomy of state party structures and clarifies the limitations of caretaker committees, a recurring issue in Nigerian party politics. The judgment is expected to have significant repercussions on the ADC’s internal affairs, the conduct of future congresses, and the party’s preparations for upcoming elections.
As the news broke, party members and political observers alike have begun to assess the wider impact of the court’s ruling. While some hail the decision as a victory for internal democracy, others caution that it may intensify power struggles within the ADC’s national leadership.
INEC, the ADC, and other stakeholders are now tasked with implementing the court’s directive, which mandates strict adherence to constitutional processes in party administration and the organization of congresses. The coming weeks are likely to see intensified consultations and possible appeals as the ADC seeks to navigate the aftermath of this pivotal judgment.
