By Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
THE African Democratic Congress (ADC) has welcomed a Federal High Court ruling dismissing a suit filed against the party by Hon. Dumebi Kachikwu and four others, describing the judgment as a victory for the rule of law and internal party democracy.
In a ruling delivered in Abuja, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that the issues raised in the suit pertained to the internal leadership and membership affairs of the party, which are non-justiciable. The court consequently declined jurisdiction and upheld the preliminary objections raised by counsel to the ADC, including representatives of the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark, and National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1331/2025 (Hon. Dumebi Kachikwu & 4 Ors. vs. INEC & 5 Ors.), had sought to challenge certain internal matters within the opposition party.
Reacting to the development, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, issued a statement on Saturday hailing the judicial affirmation of the principle that political parties retain the constitutional right to manage their internal affairs without undue interference.
“This judgment is a welcome affirmation of the well-established legal principle that political parties retain the constitutional right to manage their internal affairs without undue interference,” Abdullahi stated.
While commending the judiciary for demonstrating commitment to upholding the rule of law, the ADC expressed vigilance regarding what it described as “the ruling party’s grand plan to foist a fait accompli on Nigerians in 2027.”
“We urge the courts to remain apolitical and not allow themselves to be used in undermining Nigeria’s democracy,” the statement added.
The party used the occasion to issue a rallying cry to citizens and political leaders across the country who have remained on the sidelines.
“This moment should also serve as a call to action for citizens and leaders across the country who have been sitting on the fence. The time to act is now. Nigeria needs a strong, credible, and organised opposition, and the ADC remains committed to providing that platform,” Abdullahi said.
He encouraged Nigerians who believe in democratic renewal and responsible leadership to join what he described as the growing movement by registering through the party’s online portal at www.adcregistration.ng and participating actively in the rebuilding of the nation.
The ADC further vowed to remain vigilant and resolute against any attempts to distract, destabilise, or undermine its democratic processes.
“Our focus remains clear: to build a strong political institution capable of offering Nigerians a credible alternative and restoring hope in our democratic system,” the statement concluded.
What's your reaction?
