A Federal High Court in Abuja has barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising any state congresses conducted by committees set up under the caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by former Senate President David Mark.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the authority to organise state congresses lies strictly with the party’s existing state executive structures, not the national leadership or any interim arrangement.
The court further affirmed that the tenure of the ADC’s State Working Committees and State Executive Committees remains valid and in force, pending the lawful conduct of congresses and the holding of a properly convened national convention.
Justice Abdulmalik held that neither the Nigerian Constitution nor the ADC constitution grants the caretaker or interim National Working Committee powers to appoint committees for the purpose of conducting state congresses.
The ruling effectively curtails actions taken by the party’s caretaker leadership in restructuring state-level organs, at least until due constitutional processes are followed.
The judgment arose from a suit marked 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 sued on behalf of themselves and all State Chairmen and State Executive Committees of the ADC.
The decision is expected to have significant implications for internal party control and the ongoing leadership tussle within the opposition party.
