The Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognising or participating in any congress organised by a disputed caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress. The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, marks a significant development in the party’s ongoing leadership crisis.
In her judgment, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik also barred former Senate President David Mark and other party figures from interfering with the functions and tenure of duly elected state executives. Consequently, the court reinforced the authority of existing party structures ahead of future political activities.
The case originated from a suit filed by Norman Obinna and six others, representing ADC state chairpersons and executive committees. They challenged the legality of actions taken by the interim leadership, particularly its attempt to organise state congresses through an appointed committee. According to the plaintiffs, only constitutionally recognised party organs possess such powers.
Furthermore, the court examined whether the defendants acted within the law when they convened meetings and set up a congress committee. Justice Abdulmalik held that the claims were valid and meritorious, citing 1999 Constitution of Nigeria and provisions of the ADC constitution, which emphasise democratic governance and fixed tenures.
Although the defence argued that the matter was purely internal, the court clarified that judicial intervention becomes necessary where constitutional breaches occur.
