The African Democratic Congress (ADC), a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has nullified the leadership of Chief David Mark, describing the process that brought him to power as a “kangaroo convention.”
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, presiding over the matter on Wednesday , ruled that the convention held to install Mark and his executive was illegal, unconstitutional, and a nullity in the eyes of the law.
Justice Abdulmalik, while delivering the verdict, did not mince words in criticizing the internal processes of the party. She held that the ADC must adhere to its own constitution and the Electoral Act in the conduct of its internal affairs.
The court ruled that the tenure of the previous leadership had not expired and that the subsequent “emergency” or “special” convention used to install David Mark lacked legal backing. Consequently, the court ordered that the leadership of the party be immediately handed over to the State Chairmen of the party to manage its affairs and organize a credible national convention.
“Kangaroo Convention”
The presiding judge specifically lambasted the organizers of the disputed convention, labeling it a “kangaroo convention” designed to bypass the democratic requirements of the party’s foundation.
The court upheld the prayers of the plaintiffs—a faction of the party including several state chairmen—who argued that the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) was an imposition that violated the party’s statutory guidelines.
Implications for the ADC
With this ruling, all actions taken by the David Mark-led executive since their controversial emergence have been called into question. The handover to the State Chairmen marks a significant victory for the “grassroots” wing of the party, which has long been embroiled in a legal tussle with the national leadership over tenure elongation and administrative high-handedness.
The court has directed the State Chairmen to:
1. Assume immediate control of the party’s national headquarters.
2. Set up a caretaker committee (where applicable) to oversee party operations.
3. Commence the process of conducting a valid, transparent National Convention to elect substantive officers.
