An Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has directed all parties involved in the leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of the case.
The order was issued on Tuesday by Justice J.O. Abdulmalik following an application for adjournment filed by counsel to one of the defendants, who requested time to respond to the plaintiffs’ submissions.
The suit was instituted by Don Norman Obinna and six others on behalf of ADC state chairmen and members of state executive committees.
Named as defendants in the case are the ADC, David Mark, Patricia Akwashiki, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, Rauf Aregbesola, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
At the center of the dispute is the legality of a caretaker or interim National Working Committee reportedly headed by David Mark. The plaintiffs argue that the committee does not have the constitutional authority to organise state congresses or appoint committees to oversee such processes.
They are seeking judicial declarations affirming that their tenure as state executive committees remains valid and that only duly constituted state leadership structures have the authority to organise congresses.
Additionally, the plaintiffs have urged the court to restrain INEC from recognising or participating in any congress organised by the caretaker committee.
The case represents the latest development in an ongoing internal crisis within the ADC, driven by disagreements over control of party structures ahead of planned congresses and broader political realignments.
The plaintiffs maintain that, under both the party’s constitution and the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, the tenure of state executive committees remains valid until properly conducted congresses are held. They argue that any attempt to bypass these structures undermines internal party democracy.
In his ruling, Justice Abdulmalik directed all parties to file their relevant court processes, adding that all pending applications would be heard alongside the substantive suit.
He also instructed that parties must refrain from taking any actions that could render the case ineffective or undermine the court’s proceedings.
Furthermore, the judge ordered that hearing notices be served on all affected defendants ahead of the next sitting.
The matter has been adjourned to April 23 for a definite hearing.
Meanwhile, the faction of the party led by David Mark proceeded with plans to hold the ADC national convention in Abuja on Tuesday, although the exercise encountered setbacks due to difficulties in securing a suitable venue.
