Court Order: ADC state chairmen threaten contempt proceedings on Mark
ADC State Chairmen Consider Contempt Proceedings Against National Chairman
By Ugochukwu Alaribe
UMUAHIA — State chairmen of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are contemplating legal action against the party’s national chairman, Senator David Mark, and other senior officials, alleging violations of a Federal High Court order issued on April 29, 2026. The court ruling stated that the tenures of the state chairmen had not expired.
The chairmen accused Senator Mark of disregarding the court’s directive, which mandates their tenure remains valid until a properly convened national convention is conducted. Their concerns were articulated in a letter from their attorney, Kolawole Olowookere, titled, “Re: Demand for strict compliance with the judgement of the Federal High Court delivered on April 29, 2026, in Suit No: FHC/CS/581/2026, Don Norman Obinna & 6 ors vs ADC & 6 ors.”
In the letter, the state chairmen alleged that the National Working Committee (NWC), under Mark’s leadership, planned a national convention for May 19, 2026, based on the incorrect assumption that their tenures would end on that date.
Furthermore, they raised concerns about the NWC’s decision to begin selling nomination forms to party aspirants without their involvement or consent. They urged Mark to ensure all party actions adhere to both the party’s constitution and the court’s ruling.
The chairmen argued that Mark’s actions could jeopardize the party’s prospects in the upcoming 2027 general elections. They called on him to acknowledge the tenures of the elected state executive committees, suspend the sale of nomination forms, and comply fully with the court’s order.
In their letter, they reiterated their commitment to the ADC, emphasizing that the party’s success in the 2027 elections hinges on adherence to the rule of law and the court’s judgement.
The letter stated, “We write to draw your attention to the subsisting judgement of the Federal High Court delivered on April 29, 2026. The court unequivocally recognized and affirmed that the tenure of our clients, the duly elected state chairmen, remains valid until the conduct of a valid national convention of the party.”
It concluded with a warning, noting that continued disregard for the court’s judgement could lead to contempt proceedings against the party and its leaders.
For further details, read the original article here.
