By Peace Udugba
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has nullified the leadership of a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark, along with other members of its factional National Working Committee (NWC).
In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising any state congress conducted by the Mark-led faction of the party.
The court further barred the former Senate President and other party figures from interfering with the functions and tenure of duly elected state executives of the ADC.
The judgment followed an originating summons filed by Norman Obinna and six others on behalf of ADC state chairpersons and executive committees. The plaintiffs challenged the legality of actions taken by what they described as an interim national leadership, arguing that it lacked the constitutional authority to organise state congresses or appoint committees for that purpose.
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik held that the central issue for determination was whether the defendants—particularly Mark and others named in the suit—had any constitutional or statutory authority to assume the powers of elected state organs of the party, whose tenure is guaranteed under the ADC constitution.
The court found that such powers could not be lawfully exercised by the factional leadership, thereby invalidating their actions and reinforcing the authority of the recognised state executives.
The ruling is expected to have significant implications for the internal structure and leadership tussle within the ADC, as well as its preparations for future political activities.
