Court Stops INEC from Recognizing Mark-led ADC Congresses

On Wednesday, Justice Joyc Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is barred from recognizing congresses organized by a caretaker committee led by David Mark for the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The court emphasized that the conduct of state congresses is the responsibility of the party's state executive structure, not the national leadership.

The judgment confirmed that the existing state working committee and state executive committee of the ADC hold valid four-year mandates, which remain effective until properly conducted congresses are held at the national convention. The court found that the caretaker committee, led by David Mark, lacks legal authority to conduct state congresses.

The case was initiated by several state party leaders, including Don Norman and Obinna Johnni, who argued that the Mark-led leadership acted beyond its powers, undermining internal party democracy. The ruling is expected to impact the political arrangements within the ADC ahead of future elections.