ADC Flags ‘Contradictions’ In Court Ruling Barring INEC From Registering Party

ADC has rejected aspects of a Federal High Court ruling barring INEC from registering party, citing inconsistencies and seeking legal advice on next steps.

The African Democratic Party (ADC) on Wednesday picked holes in the judgement delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of a Federal High Court in Abuja saying it has contradictions.

While the Publicity Secretary of the ADC in Plateau State, Silas Audu Wettok, said the party has rejected any attempt to politicise the matter or use judicial processes to intimidate the opposition but would remain undeterred by anti-democratic pressures and political distractions, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Bolaji Abdullahi, said its leadership has instructed its legal team to review the said judgement for appropriate advice.

The Plateau ADC said, “While we respect the judiciary and the sanctity of the courts, we observe with concern certain contradictions in the judgment.The court acknowledged that internal party matters are generally not issues for judicial intervention, yet proceeded to make pronouncements touching on the tenure and operations of duly elected party executives.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the leadership associated with David Mark has not violated nor breached the constitution of the African Democratic Congress in any manner whatsoever.

“First, the congresses held between April 9 and 11, 2026, were duly approved by the National Executive Committee on March 25, 2026, in accordance with party procedures.

“Secondly, following those congresses, no newly elected officials have been inaugurated. This is because the party, in keeping with the rule of law and respect for constitutional order, has directed all newly elected officials to await formal inauguration on May 12, 2026, when the tenure of the outgoing executives expires, as stipulated under Article 18 of the party constitution.

“It is therefore inaccurate to suggest that any action has been taken to truncate the tenure of existing state executive committees. On the contrary, the party has consciously acted to preserve constitutional order and avoid interference with the tenure of current officials.

“We also wish to state clearly that the six individuals before the court do not represent the collective will of state executive committees or the National Executive Committee. Their actions appear driven by vested interests desperate to preserve influence, even as Nigerians demand a credible political alternative.

“The ADC rejects any attempt to politicise this matter or use judicial processes to intimidate the opposition. We remain undeterred by what appears to be anti-democratic pressures and political distractions.We call on all ADC members in Plateau and Nigeria at large to remain calm, continue mobilisation, remain focused, and stay committed to building the party. No amount of intimidation will derail the democratic aspirations of our members.

“The ADC remains unstoppable in its mission to offer Nigerians purposeful leadership and a genuine democratic alternative in 2027.”

On his part, Abdullahi said, “The attention of the ADC has been drawn to media reports that the Federal High Court presided over by Justice Abdulmalik has sacked the elected, but yet to be inaugurated, State Chairmen of our party.

He said, “It would be recalled that we issued a statement shortly after the congresses stating that the congresses have not truncated the tenure of the current State Executive, which would run its full course before the newly elected State Executives are inaugurated.

“Nevertheless, the leadership of ADC has instructed its legal team to review the said judgement and advise the party appropriately.”