A governorship aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State, Barrister Niyi Aborisade, has backed the recent Federal High Court judgment that voided congresses conducted by the party’s national leadership. He also called for calm and unity among members.
Aborisade stated that the ruling has provided clarity on the internal structure of the party, emphasizing that it reaffirmed the constitutional authority of recognized state leaderships to conduct congresses. He was reacting to the judgment of the Federal High Court, which restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing or participating in any congress organized by committees appointed by the Senator David Mark-led caretaker leadership of the ADC. The court, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, also barred the caretaker leadership from interfering with the tenure and functions of elected state executives of the party.
The British-trained lawyer described the judgment as clear and unambiguous, noting that it nullified actions taken outside the provisions of the party’s constitution and guidelines. He explained that the ruling reinforces the principle that only structures operating in line with due process are empowered to organize congresses at the state level.
According to him, the development should not be misinterpreted or linked to any pending case before the Supreme Court, adding that both matters are fundamentally different in scope and subject. “The state chairmen involved in this matter are bona fide members of the party who approached the court to seek clarification on their constitutional powers. The court has now ruled in their favour,” he said.
Aborisade maintained that the Supreme Court matter involves a separate issue concerning an individual who is no longer a member of the party, insisting that the cases are distinct in parties, facts and circumstances. He added that there is no legal basis to conflate the Federal High Court judgment with the pending appeal at the apex court.
The ADC aspirant urged party members to remain calm and prioritize unity, warning that internal division could undermine the party’s progress ahead of future elections. “At this point, what the party needs most is unity. All stakeholders should come together, set aside their differences, and engage in constructive dialogue,” he said.
Aborisade also called on the party leadership to embrace inclusiveness and accommodate all stakeholders, noting that only collective effort and unity can position the ADC for electoral success.
