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 All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has put to rest speculation over its governorship ticket, with the state Chairman, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, reaffirming Eric Opah as the party’s candidate for the 2027 general election.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with FLO 94.9 FM, Chukwu declared that all controversies surrounding the party’s primaries have been resolved, and the results announced by the primary election committee — and subsequently ratified by the APC National Working Committee — remain valid and binding.
“The results of the primaries as announced by the primary election committee and ratified by the National Working Committee stand,” Chukwu said. He stressed that Eric Opah is the authentic governorship candidate of the APC in Abia State.
The chairman called on all party members to bury their differences and close ranks in order to build a formidable APC ahead of the 2027 polls.
In the same interview, Chukwu also confirmed that Hon. Erondu Uchenna will be the party’s candidate for the Abia South Senatorial District seat in the upcoming elections.
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.
-
OPINION1 year ago10 seconds with Wike, reshaped my mindset on the difference between wants and needs – Udensi Bernard
-
NEWS1 year agoEFCC Detains Former Governor Tambuwal Over Alleged ₦189bn Fraud
-
NEWS1 year agoGov. Mbah Increases Corps Members’ Allowance to ₦20,000
-
NEWS1 year agoRep. Unyime Idem Unveils ₦1bn Family Business Grant for Constituents
-
POLITICS1 year agoDr. Okezie Ikpeazu: A Voice That Still Inspires – Enyinnaya Appolos
-
NEWS1 year agoAppeal Court Orders FRSC to Pay ₦10 Million in Landmark Human Rights Case
-
NEWS1 year agoIkonne to Otti: Fear God, Show Us 51 Schools for ₦54bn, Stop Forcing ₦36k Revenue on Aba Traders
-
NEWS1 year ago
Prince Paul Ikonne Applauds Governor Uzodinma’s Support for Aba State, Criticizes Governor Otti’s Stance