Court Halts ADC National Convention as Leadership Crisis Deepens

The internal crisis within the African Democratic Congress has taken a new turn after the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the party to suspend its planned national convention.

In a ruling delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, the court directed all parties involved to maintain the status quo ante bellum—a legal term meaning a return to the previous state of affairs—pending the hearing and determination of a suit filed by seven aggrieved members of the party.

The plaintiffs, who say they are acting on behalf of state chairmen and executive committees across the country, are challenging actions within the party’s leadership structure. Those listed in the suit include Don Norman Obinna, Johnny Tovie Derek, Obah Ehigiator, Hon. Olona Yinka, Dr. Charles Idowu Omideji, Samuel Pan Gyang, and Obianyo Patrick.

Also named in the case are key figures and institutions, including Senator David Mark, Senator Patrick Akwashiki, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, and the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Justice Abdulmalik emphasized that no party should take further steps that could undermine the court proceedings, noting that all pending applications would be heard alongside the substantive suit since they are based on affidavit evidence. The case has been adjourned to April 23 for definite hearing, with directives for all parties to file necessary legal documents ahead of time.

The development comes amid ongoing legal battles over the party’s leadership. The Supreme Court of Nigeria has also fixed April 22 to hear an appeal related to the same crisis. A panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba ordered the faction led by Senator David Mark to serve all relevant legal processes within 24 hours.

The appeal seeks to overturn an earlier ruling by the Court of Appeal, which had similarly instructed the party to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of another suit filed by aggrieved members reportedly led by Nafiu-Bala Gombe.

As the legal battles unfold, the future of the ADC’s leadership and its internal structure remains uncertain, with court decisions now playing a central role in determining the party’s next steps.