ADC rejects Abuja court ruling, plans to go to the Supreme Court
The African Democratic Congress has stated that the Court of Appeal’s decision made on Monday in Abuja regarding the party’s congresses will not affect its direct primaries or the selection of candidates for the 2027 general elections.
The party also announced it has begun the process of challenging the ruling at the Supreme Court, criticizing the appellate court’s decision as legally flawed.
This was announced in a statement released on Monday by ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.
The development comes amid ongoing legal disputes over the party’s internal leadership and congresses, with ADC assuring members and supporters that preparations for the 2027 elections are still moving forward despite the court ruling.
Addressing concerns about the judgment, the party said, “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) notes the judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal in Abuja on Monday in a matter related to party congresses for electing ward, local government, and state executive committees of the Party.
“We wish to assure members of the Party and the public that this judgment does not affect the direct primaries through which the Party’s candidates have been selected at all levels.
The party also revealed it has already started legal proceedings to challenge the ruling, while expressing confidence in the dissenting opinion of one of the appellate justices.
The statement added, “The Party has already begun the process of appealing the judgment, which we respectfully disagree with and consider legally unsupportable.
“We also note the dissenting judgment of the presiding Justice, which, in our view, better reflects the settled legal position and the Party’s stance.”
The ADC urged its members and supporters to remain calm and focused despite the legal challenges, reaffirming the party’s dedication to its political goals.
It stated, “We urge all Party members and our supporters to stay calm, confident, and focused.
“The African Democratic Congress remains committed to providing Nigerians with a credible alternative and will continue to pursue that mission in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law.”
The leadership has repeatedly affirmed that its direct primary process is valid and that its candidates were chosen in accordance with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
The ADC leadership and INEC dismissed these claims, with the electoral commission stating it recognizes only the Senator David Mark-led National Executive Committee and has not granted portal access to any other group.
