Former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, has insisted that the party “is not for sale” following a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja that nullified recent congresses and a national convention conducted by a rival faction.
Delivering judgement at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Joyce Abdulmalik voided the exercises organised by a group allegedly led by David Mark, describing them as “kangaroo congresses and convention.” The court held that the group lacked the legal standing to conduct such activities.
Justice Abdulmalik further ruled that, due to a leadership vacuum within the African Democratic Congress, the party’s state chairmen—who constitute its National Executive Committee (NEC)—are the legitimate body empowered to organise congresses and a national convention. The court also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise them accordingly.
Reacting to the judgement, Kachikwu said the ruling had vindicated his long-standing position that elements he described as “political buccaneers” were attempting to hijack the party.
“I had long warned that the ADC is not for sale,” he said, adding that those behind the disputed congresses had now been “shown the way out through the same back door they came in from.”
He described the court decision as a decisive blow to what he termed a failed attempt to take over the party’s structure, noting that the individuals involved had “failed woefully” and were now seeking other political platforms.
Kachikwu urged party members to remain vigilant, stressing that the internal struggle was not yet over. He, however, expressed confidence in the party’s future, declaring that the ADC would participate in the next general elections.
“The ADC will be in next year’s ballot, and any Nigerian who genuinely desires to salvage the country should see the party as a ready home,” he said.
The ruling is expected to reshape the leadership structure of the party and could have wider implications for its preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
