Supreme Court Nullifies ADC Congresses Ahead of Elections

The Supreme Court of Nigeria ruled on a leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), nullifying the party's congresses and convention just 31 days before the end of the primaries. The ruling, delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, stated that the interim national working committee led by David Mark had no legal backing to conduct state congresses.

The court emphasized that the ADC's state executive committees had valid four-year mandates that must be respected until proper congresses are conducted. The court found that neither the 1999 Constitution nor the ADC's constitution empowered Mark's committee to appoint congress committees.

The ruling also highlighted that the ADC must adhere to democratic principles in conducting its internal affairs. Following the judgment, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was restrained from recognizing any outcomes from congresses conducted by Mark's committee.

This ruling significantly affects the ADC's preparations for the 2027 general elections.