The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has assured its members that the Court of Appeal judgment on the party’s congresses will not affect its primary elections or the emergence of its candidates.
The party said the ruling only concerns ward, local government and state executive congresses, stressing that its direct primaries remain valid and unaffected.
In a statement issued on Monday, National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said the party had already begun legal proceedings to challenge the judgment, describing the decision as legally unsustainable.
Abdullahi maintained that the court’s verdict has no impact on candidates who emerged through the party’s direct primaries at all levels.
He also said the ADC believes the dissenting judgment delivered by the presiding justice better reflects the law and supports the party’s position.
The party urged members and supporters not to be distracted by the ruling, assuring them that all legal options are being pursued.
The Court of Appeal had upheld an earlier Federal High Court order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or participating in state congresses conducted by committees appointed by the Senator David Mark-led caretaker leadership.
In a split 2-1 decision, the appellate court ruled that only duly elected state executive committees have the authority to conduct state congresses, affirming the lower court’s judgment delivered on April 29, 2026.
