A Federal High Court in Abuja has thrown out a suit instituted against the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ruling that it lacks jurisdiction to interfere in the internal affairs of political parties.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik delivered the judgment on Thursday, dismissing the suit filed by former presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu and four others who sought to remove Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola from their positions in the party.
The plaintiffsโKachikwu, Adikwu Elias, Etimbuk Umoh, Muhammad Khala, and Alakum Williamโhad taken INEC, ADC, Chief Ralph Nwosu, Senator David Mark, and Aregbesola to court over the party’s leadership structure.
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik held that disputes arising from party membership and leadership are non-justiciable, meaning courts cannot intervene in such matters. She noted that political party membership is voluntary, and aggrieved members should either utilise internal conflict resolution mechanisms or leave to join other parties.
The case, filed last year, had generated controversy when ADC National Welfare Secretary Nkemakolam Ukandu, who was later joined as an interested party, petitioned the National Judicial Council against the judge, alleging bias. He had also sought separate court orders to compel her recusal.
The opposition coalition had appointed Mark, a former Senate President, as interim National Chairman and Aregbesola as interim National Secretary in July last year.
Party Hails Judgment, Calls for Mass Registration
Reacting to the court’s decision, the ADC described it as a welcome affirmation of the autonomy of political parties to manage their internal affairs without judicial interference.
National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement, commended the judiciary for upholding the rule of law while urging courts to remain apolitical.
“This moment should also serve as a call to action for citizens and leaders across the country who have been sitting on the fence,” Abdullahi said, encouraging Nigerians to register with the party through its website.
He assured that the ADC would remain vigilant against what it described as attempts by the ruling party to manipulate the political process ahead of the 2027 elections, while resisting any efforts to destabilise its internal democratic structures.
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