The lingering leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) took a new turn on Wednesday as the Federal High Court in Abuja affirmed the authority of the party’s state structures, effectively restoring their powers over internal processes.
The court, in a judgment delivered in a suit filed by Don Norman Obinna and others against the party and its national leadership, held that the state executives remain the constitutionally recognised bodies to conduct congresses across the federation.
In its ruling, the court declared that all congresses purportedly conducted by the national leadership of the party were null and void, having failed to comply with the provisions of the party’s constitution.
The judgment is seen as a major boost for state chairmen of the party, who had challenged what they described as attempts by the national body to undermine their authority and impose parallel structures.
By the ruling, the court effectively invalidated the emergence of individuals previously announced as “Chairman-elect” and “Publicity Secretary-elect” in various states, reinforcing the supremacy of the party’s established state leadership.
Party stakeholders who spoke after the judgment described the verdict as a restoration of internal democracy and constitutional order within the ADC, noting that it would help stabilise the party ahead of future political activities.
They also expressed optimism that the decision would pave the way for unity and proper adherence to the party’s guidelines in the conduct of its affairs.
