The Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or participating in any congress organised by a disputed caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik also barred former Senate President, David Mark, and other party figures from interfering with the functions and tenure of elected state executives.
The ruling marks a significant development in the ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC, particularly as the party prepares for future political activities.
The suit was filed by Norman Obinna and six others, representing state chairpersons and executive committees of the party.
The plaintiffs challenged the legality of actions taken by an interim national leadership, especially its move to organise state congresses through an appointed committee.
They argued that the caretaker body lacked the constitutional authority to conduct congresses or set up any committee for that purpose, maintaining that only duly elected party organs recognised by the party’s constitution could perform such functions.
In her judgment, Justice Abdulmalik held that the claims were valid and warranted judicial intervention, noting that the case raised serious issues of constitutional and statutory breaches.
She explained that while courts generally avoid interfering in internal party matters, they are obligated to step in where violations of the law or a party’s constitution are alleged.
The judge relied on provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the ADC constitution, which stipulate that party officials must emerge through democratic processes and serve defined terms.
She found that the process adopted by the defendants, including the appointment of a “congress committee,” was not recognised under the party’s constitution and was therefore invalid.
Consequently, the court affirmed that the tenure of the ADC’s state executive committees remains valid and must not be disrupted.
It further ruled that only the elected party structures have the authority to organise state congresses, effectively nullifying any parallel arrangements by the caretaker leadership.
BREAKING: Court Nullifies David Mark Leadership of ADC calls convention Kangaroo🤣👀
Hear from the lawyer 👇🙆🔥😭 pic.twitter.com/afN9EKxlws
— A. Ayofe (@abdullahayofel) April 29, 2026
