The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced its commitment to comply with the Federal High Court ruling that halted state congresses. The party stated that, in light of the court's decision, it will not conduct any state congresses and directed that all existing state executives continue to function until further notice. The ADC also called on its members to ignore any scheduled congresses, describing them as maneuvers by destabilizing agents seeking to create confusion within the party.
Party's Official Position
This was contained in a statement by the ADC's National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, who emphasized that the party's attention has been drawn to a purported plan by some individuals to commence congresses in certain states. He clarified that based on the subsisting ruling of the High Court, the ADC is not conducting any congresses until the tenure of the current executives expires. He urged loyal party members to disregard any invitations to attend such congresses, as they are merely machinations by agents of destabilization.
Gombe-Led Faction's Call for Suspension
Meanwhile, the ADC faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe has called for the immediate suspension of the sale and purchase of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms pending the determination of a case before the Federal High Court. This directive formed part of resolutions reached at the meeting of the party's Board of Trustees (BoT) in Abuja. In a communiqué after the meeting, signed by the ADC BoT Secretary, Mr. Rufus Akanmi, the party warned that anyone proceeding with the purchase of forms despite the directive would do so at his own risk.
Supreme Court Judgment Commended
The board also acknowledged and commended the Supreme Court of Nigeria over its judgment delivered on April 30, 2026, describing the ruling as a landmark contribution to constitutional democracy and the rule of law within the Nigerian political system. According to the communiqué, the attention of David Mark and all esteemed members of the ADC is formally drawn to the ongoing sale of forms. All parties concerned are directed to immediately suspend the sale or purchase of such forms pending the final determination of the matter currently before the Federal High Court.
Call for Unity
The BoT further called on members of the coalition within the party and the faction led by David Mark to put aside partisan interests and work with the leadership of Gombe in the interest of party unity.
Allegations of Government Interference
Additionally, the ADC has alleged that the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government is mounting pressure on Justice Emeka Nwite to recuse himself from the case involving Gombe, which challenges the leadership of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola. The party warned the Federal Government to keep off judicial matters and immediately cease all alleged attempts to interfere in the ongoing case. The party said it has uncovered a disturbing plot by desperate forces within the corridors of power to frustrate the course of justice by pressuring Justice Nwite to step aside so that the case can be reassigned to judges perceived to be pliable and politically compliant.
