By Aderogba George
The 2023 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr Dumebi Kachikwu, has welcomed a Federal High Court judgment nullifying congresses and a convention conducted by a faction of the party.
Kachikwu, speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, said the ruling reaffirmed that the ADC was “not for sale” and showed that the party had resisted attempts by some individuals to take over its structure.
“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 gravity of the breach.
According to him, the ruling should serve as a deterrent to individuals seeking to undermine party structures for personal gain.
Kachikwu added that the party leadership would formally communicate the judgment to INEC and announce plans for a 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 reiterated that the ADC remained open to Nigerians committed to genuine reform and national development.
“We are confident of contesting the next election. The party provides a credible platform for those who want to deliver meaningful change,” he said.
Kachikwu alleged that those 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 said.
He urged party members to remain vigilant, stressing that efforts to preserve 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.
Kachikwu reiterated that the ADC would participate in forthcoming elections and called on Nigerians seeking credible leadership alternatives to align with the party.
“The ADC will be on the ballot, and any Nigerian who genuinely desires to salvage this country should see the party as a ready home,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of ADC State Chairmen, Mr 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.
Ogga expressed confidence that the judgment would reinforce internal democracy and reposition the party for future electoral contests.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday nullified the congresses and convention conducted by a faction led by former Senate President, David Mark.
The court also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or participating in any congress organised by the disputed caretaker leadership.
Justice Abdulmalik further barred the faction from interfering with the functions and tenure of elected state executives.
In her judgment, the judge 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 also ruled that the ADC constitution does not empower any caretaker or interim national leadership to appoint committees for the conduct of congresses.
The suit was filed by aggrieved state chairmen led by Mr Norman Obinna, who challenged the legality of actions taken by the caretaker leadership.
Justice Abdulmalik held that the case was meritorious, stressing that political parties must operate within the bounds of both the Nigerian Constitution and their internal rules. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
