Federal High Court Dismisses Suit Against ADC Leadership

By Emmanuel Kwada

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed by Dumebi Kachikwu and others challenging the leadership and affairs of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In its ruling delivered today, the court held that matters concerning party leadership, membership, and internal affairs are non-justiciable, meaning they fall outside the jurisdiction of the courts as they are internal party issues.

The suit, which sought to contest aspects of the ADC’s current leadership structure—widely associated with figures such as former Senate President David Mark—has been a point of contention within the party for months. Kachikwu, the ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, and his co-plaintiffs had argued against what they described as irregularities in the party’s control and operations.

The court’s decision reinforces the long-standing legal principle in Nigeria that political parties are generally free to manage their internal matters without judicial interference, except in cases involving clear violations of the constitution or electoral laws.

This ruling comes amid ongoing tensions in the ADC, including protests by party members calling for judicial recusal in related cases and efforts to position the party as a platform for opposition coalitions ahead of future elections.

The dismissal is seen as a boost to the current ADC leadership, clearing a major legal hurdle that had lingered over the party’s affairs.

No immediate comment was available from Dumebi Kachikwu or his legal team following the judgment.