ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Federal High Court has nullified all congresses and the national convention conducted by the African Democratic Congress, declaring the exercises illegal and directing the party to begin a fresh, lawful process across the country.
The ruling, delivered in Abuja on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, marks a major judicial intervention in the internal affairs of the party, effectively overturning all structures and leadership outcomes that emerged from the disputed congresses and convention.
According to court findings, the processes that produced party officials at various levels failed to comply with established legal and constitutional requirements guiding political party operations in Nigeria.
The court held that the violations were significant enough to invalidate the entire exercise, thereby stripping all individuals elected or affirmed during the congresses of their legitimacy.
In its directive, the court ordered all relevant party chairmen and stakeholders to immediately commence arrangements for fresh congresses at ward, local government, and state levels, culminating in a new national convention.
The judgment also emphasized that the new process must strictly adhere to the provisions of the party’s constitution, the Electoral Act, and all applicable guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Legal analysts say the decision underscores the judiciary’s increasing role in enforcing internal democracy within political parties, particularly in cases where aggrieved members challenge the legitimacy of party processes.
The crisis within the ADC is believed to have stemmed from internal disputes over leadership control, procedural irregularities, and allegations of exclusion by certain factions during the congresses.
Sources within the party indicate that disagreements had been building for months prior to the court action, with some members accusing party leaders of manipulating processes to favour preferred candidates.
The court’s ruling is expected to reset the party’s leadership structure entirely, creating a new opportunity for all stakeholders to participate in a transparent and credible process.
However, it also presents a significant logistical and political challenge, as the party must now organise nationwide congresses within a reasonable timeframe while managing internal tensions.
Political observers warn that failure to conduct the fresh process properly could lead to further litigation, deepen divisions, and weaken the party’s position ahead of future elections.
The development may also affect alliances, candidate selections, and strategic planning within the party, particularly if the leadership vacuum persists for an extended period.
Members of the ADC are now expected to engage in consultations to determine how best to comply with the court order while maintaining unity and avoiding further fragmentation.
The outcome of the fresh congresses and convention will be crucial in determining the party’s future direction, credibility, and ability to compete effectively in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
As attention shifts to the implementation of the court’s directive, all eyes will be on the party’s leadership to ensure that the new process is inclusive, transparent, and fully compliant with legal standards.
