The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected Monday’s Court of Appeal judgment on its ward, local government and state congresses, insisting the ruling will not affect its candidates for the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC assured members that the judgment has no impact on the direct primaries through which its candidates emerged for various elective offices.
The party announced that it has begun the process of appealing the decision at the Supreme Court, describing the appellate court’s verdict as legally unsustainable. It also expressed confidence in the dissenting opinion delivered by the presiding justice, arguing that it better reflected the law and the party’s position.
“The judgment has no effect whatsoever on the direct primaries through which the party’s candidates have emerged at all levels,” the statement said, urging members and supporters to remain calm while the legal challenge continues.
The latest development is part of a prolonged leadership and congress dispute within the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections. Rival factions have continued to lay claim to the party’s structure, although the ADC leadership maintains that its recognised National Executive Committee remains valid.
The dispute follows recent controversy over claims by a rival faction that it had uploaded candidates’ names to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s nomination portal. Both the ADC leadership and INEC have dismissed the claim, with the electoral commission maintaining that it recognises only the Senator David Mark-led National Executive Committee.
Despite the legal setback, the ADC reaffirmed its commitment to participating in the 2027 elections, saying it remains focused on providing Nigerians with a credible political alternative while pursuing all legal remedies available under the Constitution.