The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has clarified that the Court of Appeal judgment concerning its ward, local government, and state congresses has no bearing on the direct primaries that produced its candidates for the 2027 general elections.
Party Spokesperson Issues Clarification
In a statement released on Monday, the party's National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, addressed the appellate court's ruling. The Court of Appeal in Abuja earlier upheld a Federal High Court judgment restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising state congresses organised by committees appointed by the David Mark-led caretaker leadership of the ADC.
A three-member panel of the court, delivering judgment through Justice Okon Abang, found no reason to set aside the restraining order issued by the lower court on 29 April. The appeal court also upheld an order by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik that restrained the Mark-led executives from interfering with the tenure and functions of the party's elected state executives.
ADC Assures Members and Public
However, Mr Abdullahi emphasised that the judgment does not affect the direct primaries through which the party's candidates have emerged at all levels. He stated, “The party has already commenced the process of appealing the judgment, which we respectfully disagree with and consider to be legally unsustainable.”
He also noted the dissenting judgment of the presiding justice, which, in the party's view, more accurately reflects the settled position of the law and the party's position. Abdullahi urged all party members and supporters to remain calm, confident, and focused.
The full statement reads: “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) notes the judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal in Abuja on Monday in a matter concerning party congresses to elect the Party’s ward, local government, and state executive committees. We wish to assure members of the party and the general public that this judgment does not affect whatsoever on the direct primaries through which the Party’s candidates have emerged at all levels. The party has already commenced the process of appealing the judgment, which we respectfully disagree with and consider to be legally unsustainable. We also note the dissenting judgment of the presiding Justice, which, in our view, more accurately reflects the settled position of the law and the Party’s position. We urge all Party members and the millions of our supporters to remain calm, confident and focused. The African Democratic Congress remains committed to providing Nigerians with a credible alternative and will continue to pursue that mission in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law.”
The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to providing Nigerians with a credible alternative and stated it will continue to pursue that mission in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law.
