A Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognising or participating in congresses organised by a disputed caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress.
In a judgment delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, the court also barred former Senate President, David Mark, and other party figures from interfering with the functions and tenure of elected state executives.
The case was filed by party stakeholders led by Norman Obinna, challenging the legality of actions taken by the party’s interim leadership.
The court ruled that the appointment of a “congress committee” by the defendants was unconstitutional and not recognised under the party’s constitution.
Justice Abdulmalik held that only duly elected party organs have the authority to organise congresses.
She described the suit as “meritorious” and proceeded to nullify all processes initiated by the disputed committee.
The court affirmed that the tenure of ADC state executive committees remains valid and must not be disrupted.
It further restrained the defendants from taking any actions capable of undermining these structures.
Addressing arguments that the issue was an internal party affair, the judge clarified that courts can intervene where there is a breach of constitutional or statutory provisions.
“The law is settled that courts will not interfere. However, where there is an allegation of breach… the court has a duty to intervene,” she ruled.
The ruling effectively halts any congress or convention not conducted in line with the ADC constitution and blocks INEC from recognising such processes.
It also intensifies the ongoing leadership crisis within the party, as legal battles continue to shape its future ahead of the 2027 elections.
