2027: Inside ADC’s battle for control – Vanguard News
Court of Appeal Hears Case on Control of African Democratic Congress Structures
By Luminous Jannamike, Abuja
Anticipation filled the courtroom at the Court of Appeal in Abuja on Wednesday, but the atmosphere shifted to quiet conversations in the corridors as proceedings concluded. Lawyers exchanged handshakes before departing for the parking lot, while party officials huddled in small groups to discuss the implications of the court’s decision to postpone its judgment until July 13. Some expressed disappointment, while others felt relieved that a significant legal hurdle had not yet been crossed.
Outside the courtroom, one pressing question remained: Who truly controls the structures of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)?
This question has gained complexity as the ADC, once a little-known political party, now serves as a potential vehicle for some of Nigeria’s most prominent opposition figures to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 elections.
Legal Disputes at the Heart of the ADC
At the core of the appeal is a dispute over which entities are constitutionally empowered to manage the ADC’s state structures. David Mark, the party’s National Chairman, and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola are requesting the appellate court to overturn a recent Federal High Court ruling that found their National Working Committee had overstepped its authority by dissolving elected State Working Committees.
The Federal High Court had ruled in favor of the state chairmen, confirming their status as duly recognized officials and stating that, according to the ADC Constitution, they should control state congresses and manage local party affairs.
The ruling was welcomed by the Forum of ADC State Chairmen, who viewed it as a reaffirmation of the party’s constitutional framework rather than a setback for the opposition coalition. However, the Mark-led leadership contends that the trial court misinterpreted the party’s constitution and has urged the Court of Appeal to reverse the decision, citing the need for organizational restructuring to prepare the ADC for the 2027 elections.
The Significance of Party Structures
The current dispute transcends legal arguments; it reflects a contest for legitimacy and political power. Control of a political party’s structures is critical for organizing congresses, mobilizing support, and influencing candidate selection. In Nigeria, dominance at the grassroots level often equates to control of the party.
This growing discord over state executives has attracted significant attention as the ADC positions itself for the next general election. A senior political figure involved in the coalition’s discussions asserted that the conflict is more than a simple legitimacy struggle. “It is about the structures that produce state officers, organize congresses, and ultimately decide who represents the party in 2027,” he said.
A Coalition’s Evolution
The ADC’s changing fortunes illustrate a shift in Nigeria’s political landscape. Historically, the party occupied a marginal position, often overshadowed by larger political entities. However, as prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and others sought a cohesive platform rather than forming a new party, the ADC became an attractive option due to its existing recognition and infrastructure.
Despite this shift, the delicate balance of integrating new influences while respecting established party members remains a significant challenge, lying at the heart of the current disagreement.
Competing Perspectives on Constitutionality
Dumebi Kachikwu, a former ADC presidential candidate, argues that the coalition’s restructuring efforts breached the party’s constitutional limits by dismantling existing structures prematurely. He asserted that the recent ruling was a defense of internal democracy, maintaining that a party cannot advocate for broader democracy while neglecting the principles governing its own structure.
Kingsley Oggah, Chairman of the Forum of ADC State Chairmen, echoed similar sentiments, clarifying that their actions were motivated by a desire to uphold the party’s constitution and to prevent what they viewed as unlawful changes.
Conversely, supporters of Mark argue that transforming the ADC into a credible national platform necessitates significant organizational reforms to accommodate a growing membership base and diverse political interests.
The Court of Appeal is set to deliberate on the case next Tuesday, posing an essential question: will its judgment restore political unity within the party?
More Than Legal Jousting
The appeal is only one aspect of a broader legal landscape. Various court cases related to ADC’s internal issues have emerged, each provoking claims of victory from opposing factions. State chairmen cite the Federal High Court ruling asserting that the National Working Committee lacked authority, while Mark’s supporters reference another ruling affirming the legitimacy of current leadership.
While legal distinctions are crucial to the ongoing conflict, they may matter less to ordinary party members, who are primarily concerned with who will control the systems shaping the party’s future.
For Kachikwu and the state chairmen, the litigation is about preserving the identity of a party they believe existed long before the coalition’s arrival. They argue against compromising democratic principles in favor of political expediency.
Conversely, Mark’s supporters view the coalition’s actions as responding to a need for rapid reorganization to effectively contest in 2027. Each side believes it is defending the party’s future, complicating the potential for compromise.
Implications for Nigeria’s Political Landscape
This internal struggle within the ADC raises important questions not only for the party but also for Nigeria’s democracy. As opposition parties grapple with their own disputes, their ability to present cohesive alternatives to voters may diminish. Consequently, the ruling APC could gain easier opportunities to consolidate its power.
As the Court of Appeal prepares to deliver its judgment, the challenge for the ADC extends beyond winning legal battles. It involves fostering trust among its members and demonstrating that political unity and democratic integrity can coexist.
Ultimately, the real test lies in the choices made after the court’s decision. Whether the ADC can unify its diverse factions and emerge as a credible alternative to the ruling party remains to be seen.
