Court Blocks INEC from Acknowledging ADC Congresses

On Wednesday, a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyc Abdulmalik, issued a ruling that restrains the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing the congresses of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The case arose from a legal challenge filed by Norman Obinna and six others, representing the state chairpersons and executive committee of the ADC.

They contested the legitimacy of actions taken by the caretaker committee, arguing that it lacked constitutional authority to organize state congresses. The plaintiffs maintained that the ADC's constitution, along with the 1999 Constitution, guarantees the tenure of the state executive committee until valid congresses are conducted.

Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the claims brought before the court were valid and warranted judicial consideration, emphasizing the need for political parties to operate within constitutional confines. The court found that the actions of the caretaker committee were invalid and upheld the tenure of the state executive committee, allowing it to continue its functions without interference.