By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising state congresses conducted by committees set up by the caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a ruling that could reshape the party’s internal power structure ahead of future political contests.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that the authority to organise state congresses rests solely with the party’s state executive committees, not the national leadership or any interim body. The court emphasised that internal party democracy must align with both constitutional provisions and the party’s own guidelines.
The court further ruled that the tenure of the ADC’s State Working Committees and State Executive Committees remains valid and subsisting, pending the conduct of duly constituted congresses and a properly convened national convention. This position effectively nullifies any attempt to override existing state structures through caretaker arrangements.
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In a significant pronouncement, Justice Abdulmalik declared that neither the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria nor the ADC constitution empowers the caretaker or interim National Working Committee, reportedly led by David Mark, to appoint committees for the purpose of conducting state congresses.
The judgment followed a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/581/2026, filed by a group of plaintiffs including Don Norman Obinna, Johnny Tovie Derek, Obah C. Ehigiator, Hon. Olona Yinka, Dr. Charles Idowu Omideji, Samuel Pam Gyang, and Obianyo Patrick. The plaintiffs said they acted on behalf of themselves and other state chairmen and executive members of the party nationwide.
The Merit Newspaper reports that the legal observers say the ruling reinforces the judiciary’s stance on party autonomy while also setting limits on the powers of interim leadership structures. It underscores the importance of adherence to due process in the conduct of party congresses, particularly as political parties prepare for future elections.
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The decision is expected to trigger fresh alignments within the ADC, as stakeholders reassess the legitimacy of ongoing and planned congresses, with potential implications for the party’s cohesion and readiness for upcoming electoral activities.
