Maintain Status Quo, Court Orders Parties In Suit Challenging ADC’s Leadership Structure

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered all parties in a suit challenging the leadership structure of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the case.

The order was issued by Justice J.O Abdulmalik following an application for adjournment by counsel to the 6th defendant, to enable a response to the plaintiffs’ processes.

The court directed that all pending applications be heard alongside the substantive suit, noting that the matter is based on affidavit evidence.

It also instructed all parties to file their necessary processes ahead of the next hearing and warned against taking any actions that could affect the outcome of the case.

The judge further ordered that hearing notices be served on the 1st to 5th defendants.

The case was subsequently adjourned to April 23, 2026, for definite hearing.

The plaintiffs, who are state chairmen and executive members of the ADC, are challenging the legality of a caretaker or interim national working committee.

They are asking the court to determine whether the tenure of existing state executive committees remains valid and whether the caretaker committee has the authority to organise state congresses.

The plaintiffs are also seeking orders to nullify any congresses conducted by the interim body and to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising such actions.