Court Rules INEC Cannot Recognize ADC Congresses

On a recent ruling, Justice Joyc Abdulmalik of a Nigerian court barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing the congresses of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The case was initiated by Norman Obinna and six others on behalf of the ADC state chairperson, challenging the legality of actions taken by a caretaker committee that organized state congresses.

The plaintiffs argued that the caretaker body lacked constitutional authority to conduct congresses and appoint committees. Justice Abdulmalik found the claims valid, emphasizing that political parties must operate strictly within their constitutions.

The court ruled that the procedures adopted by the defendants, including the appointment of a congress committee, were not recognized by the ADC constitution and thus invalid. Consequently, the court affirmed the tenure of the state executive committee, led by David Mark, and ordered INEC to refrain from recognizing any congresses conducted outside the ADC's constitutional provisions.