ADC Declares Abuja Convention Illegal, Alleges Defiance Of Court Orders
•By Admin
ABUJA — THE leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the convention organised by a coalition group in Abuja on April 14, 2026, declaring it illegal and in violation of subsisting court orders.
Speaking at a world press conference on Friday, the party’s National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, alongside National Leader, Leke Abejide, accused the organisers of spreading misinformation and falsely presenting themselves as members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
Gombe stated that the convention contravened provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and the 1999 Constitution (as amended), noting that it was conducted in clear defiance of court directives.
He explained that both the Federal High Court and the Supreme Court had issued orders restraining all parties from taking further action pending the determination of ongoing suits.
“Any action taken in flagrant disregard of the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, 2026, is liable to be declared null and void,” he said.
The ADC chairman further pointed to the absence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the event as evidence that the convention lacked legitimacy and official recognition.
Maintaining that those behind the gathering were not recognised members of the party, Gombe stressed that they lacked the legal standing to convene any congress or convention on behalf of the ADC.
“As far as the duly constituted leadership is concerned, the coalition group are not members of the ADC. Any resolutions from such gatherings are devoid of legal effect,” he added.
Also speaking, Abejide dismissed claims of his suspension and that of Gombe, describing the move as “laughable” and a violation of due process.
He alleged that the actions of the group amounted to contempt of court and disclosed that legal steps were already being taken to challenge the purported suspension.
Abejide, who represents Yagba Federal Constituency, highlighted his role in strengthening the party’s presence in Kogi State, noting that ADC recorded electoral gains in the 2023 general elections.
“I have been in ADC since 2017 and have remained committed to its growth. I am not a political merchant moving from one party to another,” he said.
The lawmaker also criticised members of the coalition, accusing them of a pattern of political defections and poor party management.
The ADC leadership further clarified that the matter before the court goes beyond internal party affairs, involving alleged breaches of the party’s constitution and infringement of members’ rights.
Gombe revealed that the case, currently before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, has taken a criminal dimension, including allegations of document forgery intended to damage his reputation.
He also faulted the reliance by some individuals, including David Mark, on provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, arguing that the law permits judicial intervention where party rules are violated or members’ rights are infringed.
The party warned that the ongoing dispute and what it described as unlawful actions by the coalition group could affect its ability to field candidates in future elections.
“At the end of these actions, if ADC is unable to present candidates, the coalition group should be held responsible,” Gombe said.
The leadership reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and urged party members and the public to disregard actions taken by what it described as unauthorised individuals.
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