Federal High Court Nullifies ADC Conventions as Kachikwu Decries Failed Hijack Attempt by David Mark Group

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik nullifies "kangaroo" ADC conventions, ruling that state chairmen are the rightful body to lead the party's national congresses.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 29, 2026, 11:10 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Vanguard News

Judicial Intervention in ADC Leadership Crisis

The leadership struggle within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) reached a decisive turning point on April 29, 2026, following a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik nullified the conventions and congresses organized by a factional group led by David Mark, describing the proceedings as legally flawed. The court's decision effectively strips the David Mark-led group of any claim to the party’s administrative control, marking a significant victory for the wing of the party represented by 2023 presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu.

The "Kangaroo" Congresses and Locus Standi

In a sharply worded judgment, Justice Abdulmalik held that the group led by David Mark lacked the locus standi (legal standing) to convene national or state-level gatherings for the party. The court characterized the previous meetings as "kangaroo congresses," emphasizing that they were conducted outside the established legal framework of the party’s constitution. This judicial rebuke reinforces the necessity of following internal party protocols and prevents unauthorized factions from unilaterally altering leadership structures through non-compliant assemblies.

NEC and State Chairmen Recognized as Rightful Authority

Crucially, the Federal High Court clarified the hierarchy of power within the ADC during periods of leadership voids. Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the state chairmen of the party, who collectively constitute the National Executive Committee (NEC), are the only rightful body authorized to conduct a national convention and congresses at various levels. Furthermore, the court directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize only the processes initiated by these state chairmen, ensuring a centralized and legally recognized path forward for the party's administration.