Court Nullifies ADC Congresses in Adamawa State

On May 4, 2023, a high court in Yola nullified the recent state congresses of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State, declaring them null and void. Justice Isah Ahm delivered the judgment, citing violations of Section 84(4) of the Electoral Act and Article 18 of the ADC constitution.

The court's ruling was a response to a suit filed by Comrade Shehu Yohanna, the Adamawa State chairman of the party, who challenged the legitimacy of the congress, alleging that due process was ignored. This judgment exposes significant internal divisions within the ADC, which has faced leadership challenges and factional disputes in recent months.

Reports indicate that many members have left the party amid unresolved leadership tensions, further weakening its grassroots presence in the state. The court's decision adds pressure on the ADC as it approaches the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) deadline for submitting updated leadership and membership lists, complicating the party's strategy for the upcoming 2027 general elections.