A legal practitioner and former member of the House of Representatives, Kayode Oladele, has warned that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) may face serious electoral consequences following its deepening internal crisis and the dismissal of an appeal filed by former Senate President, David Mark, over the party’s leadership dispute.
Oladele, in a legal opinion, said the ruling of the Court of Appeal, which struck out the appeal for being incompetent, underscores deeper structural and legal deficiencies within the party.
“The court was clear that the appeal was filed without the required leave. That is not a minor error; it is a fundamental defect that goes to the root of jurisdiction and renders the entire process a nullity,” Oladele said.
He added that the development raises concerns about the party’s internal processes and readiness to operate within the strict legal framework governing electoral politics in Nigeria.
“A political party that cannot comply with basic procedural requirements exposes serious weaknesses in its legal advisory system and internal coordination,” he said.
The Court of Appeal had upheld a directive to maintain the status quo in the party’s leadership structure, effectively restoring the pre-dispute arrangement.
Oladele noted that the implication of the ruling extends beyond internal party politics, particularly regarding the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“In Nigeria’s electoral system, recognition by INEC is everything. Any faction not recognised by the commission cannot validly nominate candidates. That is the practical effect of this judgment,” he said.
He warned that the lingering leadership tussle could create uncertainty for aspirants within the party, many of whom may be reluctant to commit resources to a platform facing legal instability.
“No serious aspirant will invest time and resources in a party where the leadership is under dispute and subject to ongoing litigation. The risk of invalidation is real and immediate,” Oladele added.
He also expressed concern over the impact of the crisis on the party’s ability to meet timelines set by INEC for primaries and submission of candidates.
“The electoral timetable is strict and unforgiving. Any delay arising from internal disputes or legal complications could leave the party stranded and unable to participate effectively,” he said.
While noting that the substantive matter is still pending before the Federal High Court, Oladele urged the party to act swiftly to resolve the crisis.
“This is a critical moment for the ADC. It must move quickly to resolve its leadership issues, strengthen its internal processes, and ensure full compliance with the law. Failure to do so may jeopardise its political future,” he warned.
The Court of Appeal had earlier directed the Federal High Court to hear the substantive suit on an accelerated basis. However, political observers say the damage to the party’s stability and public perception may already be significant.
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