The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has prohibited its state chapters from handling court cases or engaging lawyers without national leadership authorisation. The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) issued the directive in a circular signed by the National Chairman and the National Secretary, citing the need for uniformity and proper coordination in all legal matters involving the party.
According to the circular, any state chapter that violates this directive will face disciplinary actions, including possible suspension or expulsion. The NWC also directed all state chairmen and secretaries to forward details of any pending or ongoing litigation involving the party to the national legal department within seven days. This move, the party said, is aimed at preventing conflicting judgments and ensuring that all legal strategies align with the overall interest of the ADC.
The directive comes amid growing concerns over the proliferation of court cases filed by factional groups within state chapters, which have often led to contradictory rulings and internal confusion. The ADC leadership emphasised that the national body reserves the exclusive right to initiate, defend, or settle any legal proceedings on behalf of the party. Furthermore, all correspondence with external solicitors must now be channelled through the National Legal Adviser, who will brief the NWC before any action is taken.
Political analysts have described the decision as a necessary step to restore discipline and cohesion within the party, especially as the ADC prepares for upcoming governorship and legislative elections. They noted that internal squabbles over legal representation have historically weakened opposition parties and distracted them from policy-driven campaigns. However, some party members have expressed reservations, arguing that the policy could delay urgent legal responses at the state level, particularly in electoral disputes that require swift intervention.
The ADC leadership, however, assured members that the new protocol would not hinder access to justice, as the national legal team is equipped to handle cases across all states. State chapters have been advised to direct all legal inquiries and documentation to the national headquarters in Abuja for prompt processing. The party also announced that a compliance monitoring committee would be set up to ensure full adherence to the directive.
In a related development, the ADC reiterated its commitment to internal democracy and called on all members to resolve grievances through established party mechanisms rather than resorting to litigation. The party urged stakeholders to prioritise unity and collective vision ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that divisive legal battles would not be tolerated.
As of press time, reactions from state chapters remain mixed, with some pledging compliance while others have called for a review of the policy to allow for greater state-level autonomy. The NWC has scheduled a consultative meeting with all state executives to address concerns and clarify implementation guidelines. Observers will be watching to see whether this centralisation of legal authority strengthens the ADC’s cohesion or sparks further internal friction.
