Court Sets April 23 for Definitive Hearing in ADC Leadership Crisis
A High Court sitting in Abuja has issued a decisive order directing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and all parties involved in its ongoing leadership crisis to maintain the status quo. This directive is pending the determination of a substantive suit, which has been scheduled for a definitive hearing on April 23, 2026.
Parties and Legal Grounds of the Dispute
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/58/2026, lists plaintiffs including Don Norman Obinna, Johnny Tovie Derek, Obah C. Ehigiator, Hon. Olona Yinka, Dr. Charles Idowu Omideji, Samuel Pam Gyang, and Obianyo Patrick. They are suing on behalf of all State Chairmen and State Executive Committees of the ADC. Defendants in the matter include the ADC itself, prominent figures such as Sen. David Mark and Sen. Patricia Akwashiki, as well as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In an originating summons, the plaintiffs are seeking judicial interpretation of constitutional provisions that guide the tenure and powers of party organs. This is particularly relevant to the controversy surrounding the party's leadership and planned state congresses. At the heart of the dispute is whether the four-year tenure of the ADC's State Working Committee and State Executive Committee remains valid, pending the conduct of a properly constituted State Congress and the convocation of a National Convention.
Arguments and Legal Challenges
The plaintiffs have anchored their argument on Section 223 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), along with Article 17 of the party's constitution and a Final Mediation Report dated December 23, 2023. They are contesting the legality of actions taken by a body described as the Caretaker/Interim National Working Committee, which they claim is not constitutionally recognized within the party's framework.
Specifically, the plaintiffs are asking the court to determine whether this caretaker body has the authority to appoint Congress Committee Members for conducting state congresses. They challenge the validity of any appointments made by the caretaker body, describing them as unconstitutional, null, and void. Furthermore, they contend that the planned state congress slated for April 2026, if conducted under the supervision of the caretaker committee, would constitute a gross violation of the party's constitution.
Court Ruling and Directives
In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, Justice J. O. Abdulmalik ordered that all parties in the suit must refrain from taking any steps capable of undermining the court proceedings. This directive effectively halts any parallel actions or decisions that could escalate the internal dispute within the ADC.
The court further directed all parties to file their consequential processes ahead of the next adjourned date, stressing that all pending applications would be consolidated and heard alongside the substantive suit. According to a certified true copy of the order, the court held that the matter will be determined based on affidavit evidence already before it.
Justice Abdulmalik also mandated that hearing notices be served on the 1st to 5th defendants to ensure their participation in the proceedings. The case, which has drawn significant political attention, revolves around a leadership tussle within the ADC, particularly over the legality of actions taken by the interim national working committee and the conduct of planned state congresses.
Plaintiffs' Requests and Adjournment
Plaintiffs in the suit are seeking judicial declarations affirming the subsistence of their tenure and challenging the authority of the interim leadership to organize congresses or appoint committees. They are also asking the court to restrain INEC from recognizing or participating in any congresses not conducted under their authority.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to April 23, 2026, for a definite hearing, marking a critical juncture in resolving this internal party conflict that could have broader implications for Nigeria's political landscape.
