ADC Restricts State Chapters from Legal Engagements

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) issued a directive on Tuesday, signed by Bolaji Abdullahi, the party's national public secretary, barring state chapters from engaging lawyers or handling court cases without express authorization from the national leadership. This decision is part of an effort to tighten control over legal matters involving the party nationwide, particularly as political activities heighten and litigation increases ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The notice states that state chapters must forward any court documents to the national legal adviser at the party's headquarters in Abuja. The ADC expressed concerns over instances where legal practitioners allegedly represented the party without proper consent.

The party emphasized that any court processes served to state chapters would not be considered valid unless specifically ordered by a court. The ADC warned that unauthorized engagement with legal practitioners could lead to disciplinary measures against those involved, reflecting a clear intent to centralize legal authority within the party.