Former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, has hailed a Federal High Court ruling in Maitama which invalidated what he described as “kangaroo congresses and convention” organised by a rival faction of the party, insisting the judgment has restored constitutional order within the ADC.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, held that the disputed congresses were conducted without lawful authority and by individuals lacking the legal standing to act on behalf of the party.
The court further ruled that in the absence of a recognised national leadership, the party’s state chairmen—constituting the National Executive Committee (NEC)—remain the legitimate authority empowered to convene congresses and a national convention.
It also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the NEC led by state chairmen as the valid structure for the party’s internal administration.
Reacting in Abuja, Kachikwu said the judgment had effectively collapsed what he termed an “attempted takeover” of the party’s structure.
“This ruling has confirmed what we have always maintained: the ADC cannot be hijacked or captured through unconstitutional processes,” he said.
He described the annulled congresses as an illegitimate exercise allegedly driven by a rival faction linked to former Senate President David Mark, insisting that the court had now “corrected the anomaly.”
“The attempt to impose parallel leadership structures has failed. The court has restored order and affirmed due process,” Kachikwu stated.
He urged members of the party nationwide to remain calm and united, saying the judgment marked a turning point but not the end of internal reconciliation efforts.
“This is a major correction, but we must now focus on rebuilding and strengthening the party ahead of 2027,” he added.
Kachikwu reaffirmed that the ADC would contest the 2027 general elections across all levels, including the presidency, insisting the party remained on the ballot path.
On emerging opposition realignments, he warned against politically motivated coalitions, saying any alliance must be driven by ideology and national renewal rather than personal ambition.
“Nigeria needs principled politics, not recycled arrangements. Any coalition must be based on values and reform,” he said.
The judgment is expected to intensify internal restructuring within the ADC as competing factions adjust to the court’s pronouncement and the party prepares for the 2027 electoral cycle.
