Kachikwu Backs Court Ruling Nullifying ADC Congresses

A former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, has lauded the court decision nullifying the party’s congresses and convention conducted by a faction led by David Mark.

Speaking with journalists, Kachikwu alleged that the Mark-led group attempted to hijack the party, disregarding its established structures and leadership.

His reaction followed a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or participating in any congress organised by committees appointed by the caretaker leadership under Mark.

In the judgment delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, the court also restrained the Mark-led group from interfering with the tenure and functions of duly elected state executives of the party.

The court held that the four-year tenure of the ADC’s State Working Committees and State Executive Committees remains valid and subsisting, pending the conduct of properly constituted congresses and the convocation of a national convention.

The plaintiffs had challenged the legitimacy of appointments made by the caretaker committee, arguing that any congress conducted under its supervision would violate the party’s constitution. They maintained that only duly elected party organs recognised by the constitution of the ADC have the authority to conduct such processes.

Agreeing with the plaintiffs, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that neither the 1999 Constitution, as amended, nor the ADC constitution empowers the caretaker or interim National Working Committee led by Mark to appoint committees to conduct state congresses.

The court further held that the claims brought before it were valid and deserving of judicial consideration, citing breaches of constitutional and statutory provisions.