Federal High Court ruling halting INEC recognition of caretaker-led congresses triggers urgent consultations within the African Democratic Congress
Congress (ADC) have convened an emergency meeting following a Federal High Court ruling that restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising state congresses conducted by committees appointed by the David Mark-led caretaker leadership.
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[ ] The ruling, delivered on April 29, 2026, by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik in Abuja, barred INEC from participating in or acknowledging any congress organised under the disputed interim leadership structure. The court held that only duly constituted state executive committees have the authority to conduct such congresses.
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[ ] The court also restrained David Mark and other members of the caretaker leadership from interfering with the functions and tenure of elected state executives, affirming that their four-year mandate remains valid until properly conducted congresses are held.
Party insiders say the emergency meeting was convened to assess the legal implications of the judgment and determine the next course of action, particularly as the leadership dispute continues to intensify ahead of future political activities.
The case stems from a suit filed by aggrieved party members representing state chairpersons and executive committees, who challenged the legality of the caretaker leadership’s decision to set up committees to oversee state congresses.
The latest development adds to the ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC, which has seen multiple legal battles and conflicting claims over party control in recent months, with INEC previously maintaining a neutral stance pending judicial clarity.
As of the time of reporting, details of the outcome of the emergency meeting remain undisclosed, and party officials have yet to issue an official statement.
The ruling is expected to significantly shape the ADC’s internal structure and preparations as Nigeria’s political landscape gradually shifts toward the 2027 elections.