The 2023 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, has described the Federal High Court judgment as a decisive victory for the rule of law and internal party democracy.

New Telegraph had earlier reported that the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama nullified the congresses and national convention conducted by a faction allegedly led by former Senate President, David Mark.

Delivering judgment, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik described the exercise as “kangaroo congresses and conventions,” ruling that the group lacked the legal standing to organise such party activities.

The court subsequently voided all decisions emanating from the disputed processes.

The judge further held that, in the absence of a properly constituted national leadership, the state chairmen of the party—who collectively form the National Executive Committee (NEC)—are the lawful body empowered to conduct congresses and a national convention.

She also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise them accordingly.

Reacting to the ruling, Kachikwu, who had earlier raised concerns over what he termed attempts to hijack the party, said the court’s decision had vindicated his position that the ADC “is not for sale.”

He accused those behind the now-nullified congresses of acting as “political buccaneers,” adding that their efforts to take over the party had failed.

“With this judgment, it has become clear that these desperados who attempted to hijack our party have failed woefully,” he said, noting that the group was now seeking alternative political platforms.

Kachikwu urged party members to remain vigilant, stressing that the struggle to stabilise the ADC was ongoing. He, however, expressed confidence that the party would participate in the 2027 general elections.

He also called on Nigerians seeking political change to consider the ADC as a viable platform, insisting that the party remains committed to national development and democratic ideals.