The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a formal response to the recent Court of Appeal judgment in Abuja, which barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing state congresses conducted by committees under the David Mark-led leadership.
In a statement released on Monday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, clarified that the court’s ruling specifically addresses congresses held to elect ward, local government, and state executive committees.
He emphasized that the decision does not affect the validity of the party’s primary elections.
“The judgment has no effect whatsoever on the direct primaries through which the Party’s candidates have emerged at all levels,” Abdullahi stated.
The ADC expressed its intention to challenge the appellate court’s decision, noting that the party “respectfully disagrees” with the verdict and considers it “legally unsustainable.”
Abdullahi also drew attention to the dissenting opinion delivered by the presiding Justice, asserting that it “more accurately reflects the settled position of the law and the Party’s position.”
The party has called on its members and supporters to maintain their composure as it navigates the legal process.
“We urge all Party members and the millions of our supporters to remain calm, confident and focused. The African Democratic Congress remains committed to the task of providing Nigerians with a credible alternative and will continue to pursue that mission in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law,” the statement added.
