ADC Congresses Declared Null as Appeal Court Upholds High Court Judgment

ADC: In a dramatic courtroom episode that could leave political calculators overheating, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed an earlier judgment restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising state congresses organised by committees appointed by the David Mark-led caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). While the legal battle is serious, the political theatre surrounding it has provided enough twists to make even seasoned observers reach for popcorn. In the satirical spirit, one might say democracy arrived carrying a rulebook, a whistle, and an oversized red card for anyone attempting to skip procedure.

Judiciary Declares Rules Still Matter

The majority judgment, delivered in a two-to-one decision led by Justice Okon Abang, upheld the Federal High Court’s restraining orders, insisting that elected state executive committees—not the national caretaker leadership—bear responsibility for conducting state congresses. The appellate court further ruled that the congresses and national convention conducted under the Mark-led leadership were null and void because they violated an earlier court order issued on April 14.

If politics were a football match, the judiciary effectively reminded everyone that changing the referee midway through the game does not change the rules. The court also affirmed that the tenure of the party’s elected state executives remains valid until properly constituted congresses and a lawful national convention are conducted. In the satirical gallery, lawyers were imagined checking whether “court order” had suddenly become optional reading.

ADC Faces Legal Reality Check

The legal dispute originated from aggrieved ADC members who challenged the caretaker leadership’s decision to establish committees for state congresses. The Court of Appeal agreed that once constitutional issues arise, the matter goes beyond an internal party disagreement and becomes subject to judicial scrutiny. The majority relied on recent Supreme Court principles concerning political party leadership disputes, reinforcing the judiciary’s authority to intervene where constitutional compliance is questioned.

Not everyone on the appellate panel agreed. Justice Abba Mohammed dissented, arguing that the dispute concerned the internal affairs of a political party and should not have been entertained by the courts. Nevertheless, the majority verdict prevailed, dismissing the appeal and awarding ₦10 million in costs against the ADC. Satirically speaking, the court’s message sounded remarkably simple: “If you ignore the referee’s whistle, don’t be surprised when the scoreboard refuses to recognise your goal.”

The Court of Appeal’s decision marks another significant chapter in the legal contest over the leadership and internal processes of the ADC. Beyond the immediate political implications, the judgment reinforces the importance of adherence to court orders and constitutional procedures within Nigeria’s democratic system. OGM News NG will continue to monitor developments surrounding the ADC leadership dispute, possible further appeals, and the wider implications for Nigeria’s political landscape.