A Federal High Court in Abuja has barred the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from recognising or taking part in disputed congresses of the African Democratic Congress.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik delivered the ruling on the matter and also restrained David Mark and other party figures from interfering with elected state executives.
The judge ruled that only validly elected structures can organise state congresses. She voided the congress committee set up by the disputed leadership.
The suit came from Norman Obinna and other plaintiffs where they challenged the legality of the interim leadership’s actions.
They argued that the group lacked the power to organise congresses or appoint committees, the court agreed and described the case as meritorious.
Justice Abdulmalik said courts can step in when party rules or the Constitution are breached. She stressed that political parties must follow their constitutions.
The ruling affirms the tenure of current state executives. It also blocks any parallel congress not backed by the party’s constitution
