The 2023 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, has welcomed a Federal High Court judgment nullifying congresses and a national convention conducted by a faction of the party, describing the ruling as a victory for internal democracy.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Mr Kachikwu said the judgment reaffirmed that the ADC was “not for sale” and had resisted attempts by individuals to seize its structure through unconstitutional means.
“I had long warned that the African Democratic Congress is not for sale and that those who sought to take over the party through unconstitutional means would be shown the way out. With this judgment, it is clear that those attempts have failed woefully,” he said.
He described the nullified congresses as illegitimate, noting that the court’s characterisation of the exercise underscored the severity of the breach. He added that the ruling should deter individuals seeking to undermine party structures for personal gain.
Mr Kachikwu said the party leadership would formally notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the judgment and announce plans for a fresh national convention.
“We will notify INEC of the judgment and propose dates and venue for the convention. The media will be informed accordingly,” he said.
He maintained that the ADC remained open to Nigerians committed to reform and national development, expressing confidence in the party’s readiness for future elections.
“We are confident of contesting the next election. The party provides a credible platform for those who want to deliver meaningful change,” he said.
Mr Kachikwu also alleged that individuals behind the disputed processes were already seeking alternative political platforms.
“We are aware that they are shopping for other parties. We wish them well, but the ADC remains a platform for principled politics,” he added.
He urged party members to remain vigilant, stressing that efforts to safeguard the party’s integrity were ongoing.
“The battle is not over until it is over. Our members must stay alert and committed to ensuring that the party remains true to its founding ideals,” he said.
Also speaking, Chairman of ADC State Chairmen, Kingsley Ogga, said the legal action was necessary to preserve the party’s structure.
“We have invested so much in building this party and will not allow a few individuals driven by selfish interests to destroy it. If the party fails to field candidates or perform in elections, it risks deregistration. That is why we are determined to reposition and strengthen it,” he said.
Mr Ogga expressed confidence that the judgment would reinforce internal democracy and reposition the party for future electoral contests.
Earlier on Wednesday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja nullified the congresses and convention conducted by a faction led by former Senate President David Mark.
The court also restrained INEC from recognising or participating in any congress organised by the disputed caretaker leadership and barred the faction from interfering with the functions and tenure of elected state executives.
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik held that the responsibility for conducting state congresses rests with the party’s state executive committees, whose tenure remains valid pending properly constituted congresses and a national convention.
She further ruled that the ADC constitution does not empower any caretaker or interim national leadership to appoint committees to conduct congresses.
The suit was filed by aggrieved state chairmen led by Norman Obinna, who challenged the legality of actions taken by the caretaker leadership.
The judge held that the case had merit, stressing that political parties must operate within the bounds of the Nigerian Constitution and their internal rules.
