ADC Moves to Calm Fears, Says Court Judgment Does Not Threaten Candidates

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has insisted that the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja concerning its internal congresses will not affect candidates produced by the party for the 2027 general elections.

The opposition party made the clarification on Monday following the appellate court’s decision in a case involving the election of its ward, local government and state executive committees.

In a statement, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the judgment was limited to issues surrounding party structures and had no impact on candidates who emerged through the party’s direct primary process.

"We wish to assure members of the Party and the general public that this judgment has no effect whatsoever on the direct primaries through which the Party’s candidates have emerged at all levels," Abdullahi said.

The party said it had commenced the process of appealing the judgment, describing the decision as one it disagreed with and considered legally unsustainable.

"The Party has already commenced the process of appealing the judgment, which we respectfully disagree with and consider to be legally unsustainable," the spokesman added.

The ADC also highlighted the dissenting opinion of the presiding Justice in the case, saying it supported the party’s position on the legal issues involved.

"We also note the dissenting judgment of the presiding Justice, which, in our view, more accurately reflects the settled position of the law and the Party’s position," Abdullahi said.

The party urged its members, supporters and Nigerians interested in its political platform not to be distracted by the ongoing legal proceedings.

"We urge all Party members and the millions of our supporters to remain calm, confident and focused," Abdullahi said.

The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to providing what it described as a credible political alternative ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing that it would continue to pursue its objectives within the framework of the Constitution and the rule of law.

The clarification comes after the Court of Appeal restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or participating in state congresses organised by committees established by the Senator David Mark-led caretaker leadership of the party.

The appellate court upheld an earlier Federal High Court decision restricting the caretaker leadership from conducting state congresses and interfering with elected state executive committees.

The ruling has triggered legal arguments over its implications for the party’s internal administration and preparations for the 2027 elections, with the ADC maintaining that its candidate selection process remains valid.