Key points
- ADC has begun the process of appealing the Court of Appeal judgment on its state congresses.
- The party said the ruling affects only ward, local government and state executive congresses.
- ADC maintained that the judgment does not invalidate its direct primaries or candidates.
- The party urged members to remain calm while it pursues legal options.
Main story
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced plans to challenge the Court of Appeal judgment that upheld an order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising state congresses conducted by committees appointed by the party’s caretaker leadership.
The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal on Monday affirmed an earlier Federal High Court ruling that barred INEC from recognising the congresses organised under the leadership of the party’s caretaker committee headed by former Senate President David Mark.
Responding to the judgment, the ADC said it respectfully disagreed with the decision, describing it as legally unsustainable and confirming that it had commenced the process of filing an appeal.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party clarified that the court’s decision was limited to the ward, local government and state executive congresses.
It maintained that the judgment had no effect on its direct primary elections, through which candidates for various elective offices emerged across the country.
The party also drew attention to the dissenting opinion delivered by the presiding justice, arguing that it better reflected established legal principles and supported the ADC’s position in the matter.
ADC urged its members and supporters to remain calm and focused, reaffirming its commitment to pursuing all available legal remedies while continuing its political activities in line with the Constitution.
The issues
Internal party disputes and court cases have continued to shape Nigeria’s political landscape, with judicial decisions often influencing party structures and electoral preparations. Such legal battles can affect party administration but do not necessarily invalidate candidate selection processes unless specifically ordered by the courts.
What’s being said
“We respectfully disagree with the decision and consider it legally unsustainable.” — Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary, ADC
What’s next
The ADC is expected to file its appeal against the judgment while awaiting further judicial determination on the validity of the disputed congresses.
Bottom line
The party’s decision to appeal keeps the legal dispute alive, even as it insists the judgment does not affect its candidates or broader political activities.
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