The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reaffirmed its position in a leadership dispute, citing support from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) that courts lack jurisdiction over internal party matters. In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party welcomed the NBA’s clarification as a timely intervention that aligns with its stance on the legal boundaries of party governance.
The ADC described recent attempts to obtain court orders in the matter as contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act, arguing that such actions represent a misuse of judicial processes. The party further accused certain individuals of engaging in forum shopping and malafide litigation to create confusion and destabilize its leadership structure.
Beyond the internal dispute, the ADC suggested that the controversy reflects broader political maneuvering, alleging that the ruling party is seeking to weaken opposition groups ahead of the 2027 general elections. It warned that any court orders secured in violation of established legal frameworks would be “fundamentally defective and cannot stand.”
While commending the NBA for its principled stance, the ADC also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain neutrality in the matter. “INEC must remain a neutral arbiter, not a participant in political engineering,” the statement emphasized.
The party stressed that the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process is at stake, cautioning that undue influence on institutions and the misuse of legal mechanisms could undermine public trust. It reiterated its commitment to resolving the leadership issue through lawful and democratic means, vowing to protect both its internal governance and the broader democratic framework.
The dispute underscores ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape, where questions of judicial overreach and institutional neutrality continue to shape the dynamics of party politics ahead of future electoral cycles.
