• Super Admin
• 07 Mar, 2026

ABUJA - In a decisive ruling seen as a win for internal par­ty autonomy, the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit by Du­mebi Kachikwu and four others challenging the African Democratic Con­gress (ADC). Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that the issues raised concern the party's internal leadership and membership -- matters the court cannot adjudi­cate -- and thus declined jurisdiction. The ADC has welcomed the judgment, describing it as both a triumph for the rule of law and a clear signal for Nigerians and political lead­ers who have been "sitting on the fence" to step forward and join the party's ongoing regis­tration drive. Reacting to the ruling, ADC National Publicity Sec­retary Mallam Bolaji Abdul­lahi, in a statement on Friday in Abuja said, "this moment should also serve as a call to action for citizens and leaders across the country who have been sitting on the fence. The time to act is now. Nigeria needs a strong, credible, and organized opposition, and the ADC remains committed to providing that platform." ADC further urged the judiciary to maintain its apo­litical stance in safeguarding democracy while assuring that the party would remain vigilant against efforts to de­stabilize the party or interfere with its internal processes. Narrating the court rulibg, ADC said: "In its rul­ing in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/ CS/1331/2025 (Hon. Dumebi Kachikwu & 4 Ors. vs. INEC & 5 Ors.), the court upheld the preliminary objections filed by counsel to the ADC; National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, and; Ogbeni Rauf Aregbes­ola, the National Secretary of the party. The court held that the issues raised in the suit relate to the leadership and membership of the party, matters which are non-justiciable, and accord­ingly declined jurisdiction. Source: https://independent.ng/judiciary-upholds-party-autonomy-as-adc-opens-doors-to-new-members/