ADC Challenges Court’s Jurisdiction Over Leadership Crisis: Internal Affairs or Judicial Overreach?
In a bold move amid Nigeria’s swirling political undercurrents, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has fired back at a lawsuit threatening its freshly installed interim leadership. Arguing that courts have no business meddling in party squabbles, the ADC seeks to quash the case before it derails its ambitions for the 2027 elections.
The Preliminary Objection: ADC’s Fiery Defense
The ADC, through its counsel Shuaibu Aruwa (SAN), filed a preliminary objection on Monday, September 15, 2025, urging the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss the suit outright. Labeled an “abuse of judicial process,” the party contends the dispute is purely internal and non-justiciable, falling squarely within the realm of political associations.
“We submit respectfully that the courts in Nigeria, including the apex court, have held consistently that matters touching on leadership of political parties are off the jurisdiction of our courts,” Aruwa argued. Citing precedents, the ADC emphasized that disputes between a party and its members—especially leadership tussles—aren’t for judges to referee.
The suit in question, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, was filed by former Deputy National Chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe, who claims the chairmanship and seeks to halt INEC’s recognition of the new team. Gombe’s motion, dated September 2, demands an interim injunction barring INEC from acknowledging Senator David Mark as chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as secretary.
Defendants include the ADC, Mark, Aregbesola, INEC, and ex-chairman Chief Ralph Nwosu. Justice Emeka Nwite, presiding, noted that personal service on each defendant is required, delaying full proceedings.
Roots of the Rift: From Handover to Handcuffs
The crisis erupted after INEC updated its records last week to endorse the Mark-Aregbesola interim leadership, following a handover from Nwosu. This came amid a high-stakes opposition coalition—backed by Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and others—adopting ADC as its 2027 anti-Tinubu platform.
Gombe and allies, including Dumebi Kachikwu, decried the shift as “illegal and divisive,” alleging it violates a 2022 ruling by Justice Binta Nyako that ousted Nwosu and installed Patricia Akwashiki as chair. Separate suits by members Adeyemi Emmanuel, Ayodeji Victor Tolu, and Haruna Ismaila echo these claims, questioning the duo’s membership and the handover’s legality.
On September 4, Nwite refused Gombe’s ex-parte bid for an injunction but summoned the defendants to show cause on September 15—today. Conflicting reports briefly suggested a stop order was granted, but the ADC slammed them as “fake news” from destabilizers.
Voices from the Fray: Party Spokesman Weighs In
ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi dismissed the drama: “The ADC is not in leadership tussle with anyone.” He urged detractors to “go to court” if they dare, touting INEC’s nod as validation of a smooth administrative transition. Abdullahi stressed internal democracy: “ADC has always ensured that leadership transitions are conducted in line with our constitution.”
Kachikwu fired back, vowing to fight the “hijack” by “old politicians” in court, warning it guts the party’s democratic ethos.
Stakes for Nigerian Politics: 2027 Looms Large
This showdown ripples far beyond ADC’s Abuja headquarters. As the opposition’s anchor against Tinubu’s APC, a fractured ADC could splinter the anti-incumbency coalition, handing 2027 to the ruling party on a platter. For everyday Nigerians, it means more courtroom circus distracting from bread-and-butter woes like hunger and insecurity.
Legally, it tests Nigeria’s non-justiciability doctrine for party internals—a Supreme Court staple shielding politics from endless litigation. Economically, a stable opposition could foster policy debates on jobs and inflation; chaos just breeds cynicism.
Verdict Ahead: Will Courts Stay Out?
With today’s hearing, Justice Nwite could strike the suit or let it simmer, setting precedents for other parties’ dramas.
In essence, the ADC’s jurisdiction jab spotlights the tightrope between self-governance and accountability in Nigeria’s fractious politics. As Mark’s crew digs in, the real winner? Only time—and perhaps INEC—will tell if this crisis catapults or craters the opposition’s grand 2027 gamble.
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