S’Court Declines To Recognise ADC Factions, Sends Dispute Back To Trial Court — Kachikwu
•By Admin
ABUJA — A former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, has said the Supreme Court of Nigeria, in its latest ruling, refused to legitimise any faction within the party, instead directing all parties to return to the trial court for continuation of the case.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Kachikwu described the decision as a demonstration of “King Solomon’s wisdom,” noting that the apex court declined to be drawn into what he termed attempts to destabilise the party.
According to him, by vacating the order of status quo ante bellum, the court merely allowed contending factions to maintain their claims while leaving the determination of rightful leadership to the lower court.
“The Supreme Court has not stopped any group from calling itself by any name, but has made it clear that the issue of legitimate leadership must be decided by the trial court,” he said.
Kachikwu dismissed claims that the court recognised any group led by David Mark, insisting that no such directive was given, particularly to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He likened the dispute to “two individuals claiming ownership of a stolen vehicle,” arguing that neither faction has a valid claim to the party’s leadership.
The former candidate further referenced a recent Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, which, he said, upheld the tenure of existing state executives of the party and restrained any unlawful congresses or conventions.
He noted that the court affirmed that the tenure of State Working Committees remains valid and that only constitutionally recognised organs of the party are empowered to conduct congresses.
The judgment, he added, also nullified the appointment of what he described as “unauthorised committees,” ruling such actions as unconstitutional and beyond the powers of those involved.
Kachikwu maintained that the implication of both the Supreme Court and lower court decisions is that no faction can lawfully claim control of the party outside due process.
He cautioned political actors and stakeholders against engaging with any group laying claim to the party’s leadership without legal backing.
“The ADC is not for sale. Those laying claim to it without lawful authority cannot take it anywhere,” he said.
He urged members of the party to remain law-abiding and allow the judicial process to run its full course.
•INDEPENDENTNG.