FLASH POINT

By Shehu Yahaya


The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kaduna State Chapter, has called on all members and stakeholders of the party to comply with the recent Court of Appeal judgment affirming the legitimacy of the duly elected State Executive Committee, while urging members to embrace reconciliation and unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Addressing a press conference in Kaduna on Tuesday, the State Chairman of the Legacy ADC, Hon. Ahmed Tijjani Mustapha, said the Court of Appeal, in a majority judgment of 2–1, upheld an earlier Federal High Court order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising state congresses, activities or leadership structures arising from committees constituted during the party’s April congresses.

According to him, the judgment clearly affirms that the constitutionally recognised and duly elected State Executive Committees remain the legitimate organs empowered to conduct party congresses, adding that any process carried out outside the recognised constitutional framework lacks legal authority.

Hon. Mustapha called on members aligned with what he described as factional structures to respect the court’s decision and return to work with the duly elected Legacy ADC leadership. He stressed that the objective was not exclusion but the restoration of constitutional order, unity and internal democracy within the party.

He also warned individuals laying competing claims to the party’s leadership to comply with the court’s ruling, noting that the legitimate leadership would pursue all lawful measures to safeguard the party’s constitution, integrity and institutional stability if necessary.

The ADC chairman reassured genuine party members that the recognised leadership remains committed to building a strong, inclusive and formidable political platform. He added that the party’s doors remain open to all members willing to work within the provisions of the party’s constitution and the rule of law.

Hon. Mustapha further reaffirmed the Kaduna State chapter’s support for the national leadership of the party under Senator David Bonaventure Mark and expressed confidence that a united ADC would provide a credible political alternative in the 2027 general elections. He urged members to put aside their differences and work collectively towards strengthening the party in Kaduna State and across Nigeria.