ABUJA – A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise any state congresses organised by committees appointed by the caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) headed by former Senate President David Mark.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik delivered the judgment on Wednesday, stating that the authority to conduct state congresses lies exclusively with each party’s state executive committees, not with the national leadership. Accordingly, the court affirmed that the four‑year terms of the ADC’s State Working Committees and State Executive Committees remain in force until properly constituted congresses are held and a national convention is convened.
The ruling also clarified that neither the 1999 Nigerian Constitution nor the ADC’s own party constitution empowers the caretaker or interim National Working Committee, chaired by Mark, to appoint bodies for the purpose of conducting state congresses.
The decision arises from suit FHC/ABJ/CS/581/2026, filed by a coalition of ADC members—including Don Norman Obinna, Johnny Tovie Derek, Obah C. Ehigiator, Hon. Olona Yinka, Dr Charles Idowu Omideji, Samuel Pam Gyang and Obianyo Patrick—who sued on behalf of all ADC state chairmen and state executive committees. The plaintiffs argued that the caretaker committee’s actions violated party rules and jeopardised the legitimacy of internal elections.
In its order, the court prohibited INEC from acknowledging any outcomes of the disputed state congresses until the ADC complies with the established procedural requirements. The judgment underscores the judiciary’s role in enforcing internal party regulations and safeguarding democratic processes within political organisations.
The ADC’s national leadership has not yet responded publicly to the ruling. Observers note that the decision may delay the party’s preparation for forthcoming elections, as the election timetable requires parties to finalise their internal structures well in advance. Legal counsel for the ADC is expected to file a review of the judgment, while INEC is likely to await further clarification before proceeding with any recognition of state-level congresses.
The case highlights ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s opposition parties over leadership succession and internal governance, issues that could have broader implications for the country’s electoral landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
