Appeal Court Stops INEC from Recognizing ADC Congresses

The Appeal Court in Abuja upheld a Federal High Court ruling that stops the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) state congresses. This split decision, delivered on a Monday evening, dismissed an appeal filed by ADC Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola against the judgment of the Federal High Court, which had ordered the cessation of the dissolution of the state working committee (SWC) of the ADC.

The court imposed a fine of N10 million on the state chairmen for violating the ADC constitution, which could disrupt their four-year tenure. Justices Okon Abang and Donatus Okorowo delivered the major judgment, while President Justice Abba Bello dissented.

The court found that the Federal High Court had the right to assume jurisdiction over the case based on breaches of the ADC constitution. The ruling also addressed the internal affairs of the party, emphasizing that the removal of elected officials is an internal matter.

The ADC state chairmen had sought judicial interpretation regarding their tenure and the legitimacy of the caretaker committee's actions.