The Court of Appeal in Abuja, in a split decision of two-to-one, upheld a Federal High Court ruling that restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising congresses conducted by the Senator David Mark-led caretaker leadership of the ADC. The appellate court affirmed that only elected state executive committees have the authority to conduct party congresses.
Majority ruling: Justices Okon Abang and Donatus Okorowo upheld the restraining order against the Mark-led faction.
Minority ruling: Justice Abba Mohammed dissented, arguing that the matter was an internal party affair and non-justiciable.
The judgment effectively nullified congresses and conventions organised by the caretaker leadership, raising concerns about candidates who emerged from those processes.
The ADC swiftly rejected suggestions that the ruling jeopardises its presidential ticket.
The party stated that direct primaries conducted across the country remain valid and unaffected by the judgment.
National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi assured members that candidates produced through direct primaries at all levels stand firm.
The party emphasised that the ruling only concerns congresses for ward, local government, and state executives, not its primaries.
The ADC announced it has commenced an appeal to the Supreme Court, expressing confidence that the minority judgment reflects the correct legal position.
The party urged members and supporters to remain calm, stressing its commitment to offering Nigerians a credible alternative in the 2027 elections.
The ruling highlights ongoing internal disputes within the ADC, particularly between elected state executives and the Mark-led caretaker committee.
While the judgment restricts INEC from recognising congresses organised by the caretaker leadership, the ADC insists its presidential ticket and other candidates remain unaffected.
The matter now shifts to the Supreme Court, where the final interpretation will determine the party’s internal structure ahead of the 2027 polls.
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