An Abuja division of the Federal High Court on Tuesday ordered all parties involved in the leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the suit.
The presiding judge, Justice J.O. Abdulmalik, issued the directive following an application for adjournment by counsel to one of the defendants, who requested time to respond to the plaintiffs’ filings.
The plaintiffs, led by Don Norman Obinna and six others, instituted the suit on behalf of state chairmen and members of state executive committees of the party.
Listed as defendants in the case are the ADC; David Mark; Patricia Akwashiki; Bolaji Abdullahi; Rauf Aregbesola; Oserheimen Osunbor; and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The plaintiffs are contesting the legality of a caretaker or interim National Working Committee reportedly headed by Mark, arguing that it lacks the constitutional authority to organise state congresses or constitute congress committees.
They are seeking judicial declarations affirming that the tenure of the existing state executive committees remains valid and that only duly constituted state executives possess the authority to conduct state congresses. Additionally, they urged the court to restrain INEC from recognising or participating in any congress organised by the caretaker committee.
The suit represents the latest development in an ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC, largely centred on control of party structures ahead of planned congresses and broader political realignments. Central to the dispute is the role of the interim leadership, which some stakeholders accuse of exceeding its constitutional mandate.
The plaintiffs maintain that, under the party’s constitution and the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the tenure of state executive committees subsists 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 and exchange relevant processes, noting that all pending applications would be heard alongside the substantive suit. He further cautioned parties against taking any actions that could render the proceedings nugatory and ordered that hearing notices be served on all defendants before the next adjourned date.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to April 23 for definite hearing.
Meanwhile, the Mark-led ADC leadership proceeded with plans to hold the party’s national convention in Abuja on Tuesday. However, the exercise was stalled due to difficulties in securing a suitable venue.