POLITICS
Court Bars INEC from Recognising ADC Caretaker Congresses, Restrains David Mark
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or participating in any congress organised by a disputed caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a judgment delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, the court also barred former Senate President David Mark and other party figures from interfering with the functions and tenure of elected state executives.
The ruling marks a significant development in the ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC, with implications for control of party structures ahead of future political activities.
The suit was filed by Norman Obinna and six others, representing ADC state chairpersons and executive committees nationwide. The plaintiffs challenged the legality of actions taken by a caretaker or interim national leadership, particularly its move to organise state congresses through an appointed committee.
They argued that the caretaker body lacked constitutional authority to conduct congresses or appoint any committee for that purpose, maintaining that only duly elected party organs recognised under the party’s constitution possess such powers.
Delivering judgment, Justice Abdulmalik held that the claims were meritorious and raised valid concerns regarding alleged breaches of constitutional and statutory provisions.
She ruled that while courts generally avoid вмешtion in internal party affairs, they are empowered to act where there is evidence of violations of constitutional or legal provisions.
The court found that the appointment of a “congress committee” by the defendants was not recognised under the ADC constitution and was therefore invalid.
Consequently, the court affirmed the tenure of the state executive committees, directing that they be allowed to complete their terms without interference. It further ruled that only elected party structures have the authority to organise state congresses.
In its orders, the court set aside the appointment of the congress committee and restrained INEC from recognising any congress conducted by the caretaker leadership.
It also barred Mark and other defendants from organising congresses or conventions outside the provisions of the party’s constitution, as well as from taking steps capable of undermining the authority of the state executive committees.
The defendants in the suit include the ADC, Mark, Patricia Akwashiki, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Oserheimen Osunbor, and INEC.
While the plaintiffs argued that caretaker arrangements undermine internal party democracy and violate the ADC constitution, the defendants maintained that the matter was an internal party issue beyond the court’s jurisdiction. They also challenged the competence of the suit and the plaintiffs’ legal standing, arguing that internal dispute resolution mechanisms were not exhausted before approaching the court.
The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Bolaji Abdullahi, has alleged that Justice Peter Lifu acted in contempt of court by issuing a judgment that deregistered the ADC and four other political parties despite a pending appeal.
According to Abdullahi, the Court of Appeal had directed that no action should be taken on the matter until the appeal is heard on October 27. He argued that proceeding with the judgment before the appellate court’s determination amounts to a disregard for the court’s directive.
“Justice Peter Lifu, the judge who gave the judgment that deregistered the ADC and four other parties, should be arrested. The Appeal Court said don’t act until the case is heard on October 27. He’s acting in contempt of court,” Abdullahi stated.
The remarks add a new dimension to the legal and political controversy surrounding the status of the affected political parties, with the matter expected to be further addressed when the appeal comes up for hearing.
KANO — Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso has been announced as the deputy governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mustapha is the son of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a leading figure in the party and former governor of Kano State.
The announcement comes amid ongoing political realignments within the NDC in Kano. The party recently unveiled Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo as its governorship candidate for the state, following consultations among party stakeholders.
Political observers say the emergence of Mustapha Kwankwaso as running mate is expected to generate discussions within Kano’s political landscape, given his family ties to the influential Kwankwasiyya movement led by his father.
The NDC has continued to position itself as a major opposition force ahead of the 2027 elections, with the party’s leadership expressing confidence in its chances across key states, including Kano.
Party officials are expected to provide further details on the candidature and campaign strategy in the coming days.
Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, has firmly stated that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, exerts no influence on party decisions or candidate selections.
Umeh made the clarification on Monday during an interview, while addressing speculations and allegations that he was involved in influencing positions within the party.
The NDC has come under heavy criticism following its recently concluded primary elections across the country. In response to claims linking Obi to the process, Umeh distanced the former Anambra governor from any involvement.
“Peter Obi has not been involved in influencing who becomes what in the NDC. He’s somebody whom you can hardly see drag into a process like this,” Senator Umeh said.
He added that in Obi’s local government area, residents are fully aware of developments and do not require directives from him on whom to support.
Umeh attributed his own decision to join the NDC to the party’s leadership under Senator Seriake Dickson. “It’s because he’s the chairman or the leader of that party that made us join the party, because I work with him in the Senate, and I know his character. I know he stands on national issues,” he explained.
The senator noted that the entry of Peter Obi and former Kano Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso into the NDC triggered a surge of aspirants seeking various positions. He dismissed complaints of extortion during the primaries, saying those making the claims were attempting to manipulate the process and ultimately “had their fingers burnt.”
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