The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken another legal turn after the Court of Appeal affirmed an earlier ruling restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising state congresses conducted by the Senator David Mark-led caretaker leadership of the party. The judgment has further deepened uncertainty over the party’s internal affairs ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In its ruling, the appellate court upheld the decision of the Federal High Court, agreeing that the authority to conduct state congresses rests with duly elected state executive committees rather than committees appointed by the party’s national caretaker leadership. The court also awarded a cost of N10 million against the party.
Despite the judgment, officials of the ADC insisted that the ruling would not affect the party’s candidates or preparations for future elections. They maintained that the legal dispute concerns the conduct of party congresses and not the validity of candidates seeking elective offices under the party’s platform.
Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reportedly approached the Supreme Court, alleging that forged documents were submitted to INEC in relation to the upload of what he described as “fake” nominations. The allegations have added another layer to the ongoing leadership tussle within the opposition party.
The latest court decision is expected to influence the ADC’s internal restructuring efforts as the party continues to grapple with competing claims to its leadership, raising questions about its readiness to serve as a united opposition platform ahead of the next general election.
