By Achile Danjuma
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has welcomed a Federal High Court ruling dismissing a suit filed by Hon. Dumebi Kachikwu and four others against the party, describing the judgment as a victory for the rule of law and an opportunity to rally Nigerians into its fold ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a ruling delivered in Abuja, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik dismissed Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1331/2025 (Hon. Dumebi Kachikwu & 4 Ors. vs. INEC & 5 Ors.), upholding preliminary objections filed by counsel to the ADC, National Chairman Senator David Mark, and National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
The court held that the issues raised in the suit relate to the leadership and membership of the party—matters which are non-justiciable—and accordingly declined jurisdiction.
Reacting to the judgment, ADC National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi called on Nigerians and political leaders who have been “sitting on the fence” to join the party through its ongoing online registration portal at www.adcregistration.ng.
“This judgment is a welcome affirmation of the well-established legal principle that political parties retain the constitutional right to manage their internal affairs without undue interference,” Abdullahi said in a statement issued on Friday.
While commending the judiciary for demonstrating commitment to upholding the rule of law, Abdullahi expressed suspicion about what he described as “the ruling party’s grand plan to foist a fait accompli on Nigerians in 2027.”
“We urge the courts to remain apolitical and not allow themselves to be used in undermining Nigeria’s democracy,” he added.
The ADC spokesman framed the moment as a call to action, emphasizing that “Nigeria needs a strong, credible, and organized opposition, and the ADC remains committed to providing that platform.”
“We encourage Nigerians who believe in democratic renewal and responsible leadership to join the growing movement and participate actively in the rebuilding of our country,” Abdullahi said.
He assured that the party would continue to resist attempts to distract, destabilize, or undermine its democratic processes, reiterating the ADC’s focus on building a strong political institution capable of offering Nigerians a credible alternative.