ADC convention court order has halted the planned national convention of the African Democratic Congress after a Federal High Court in Abuja directed the party to maintain the status quo pending the determination of a suit filed by aggrieved members.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been grappling with an internal leadership crisis marked by factional disputes and competing claims over party structure.
These tensions have intensified in recent weeks, particularly as the party prepared for its national convention, a key event expected to shape its leadership and strategic direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The convention had already faced logistical challenges, including venue disputes and disagreements with authorities in the Federal Capital Territory. These developments have further exposed divisions within the party’s ranks and raised legal questions over the legitimacy of its processes.
The Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, issued the order on Tuesday, directing the ADC not to proceed with its planned convention.
The court instructed all parties involved in the suit to maintain the “status quo ante bellum” pending the hearing and determination of the case.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/581/2026, was filed by seven aggrieved members of the party, including Don Norman Obinna, Johnny Tovie Derek, Obah Ehigiator, Hon. Olona Yinka, Dr. Charles Idowu Omideji, Samuel Pan Gyang, and Obianyo Patrick.
They instituted the action on behalf of themselves and other state chairmen and executive committees of the party, challenging developments within the ADC’s leadership structure.
The defendants in the matter include the ADC as the first defendant, alongside key national officers such as Senator David Mark, Senator Patrick Akwashiki, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, as well as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case to April 23 for definite hearing and directed all parties to file necessary processes to facilitate expeditious determination.
The court further stated: “All parties in this suit shall maintain the status quo… and shall not take further steps… so as not to render nugatory the proceedings before the Court.”
The ADC convention court order underscores the legal complexities surrounding internal party disputes in Nigeria’s political system. Court interventions in party affairs often have significant implications for leadership legitimacy, electoral preparedness, and institutional stability.
The ruling may delay key decisions expected from the convention, including leadership restructuring and strategic alignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
It also places the role of the judiciary at the centre of resolving intra-party conflicts, particularly where competing factions seek legal interpretation of party processes.
