A former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, and the party’s state chairmen on Wednesday hailed a Federal High Court judgment nullifying congresses and a national convention conducted by a faction led by former Senate President, David Mark .
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja shortly after the ruling, they warned against further attempts to hijack the party and reaffirmed their commitment to a lawful, transparent leadership structure .
Court Declares Exercises ‘Kangaroo Congresses’
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Maitama voided the disputed exercises, describing them as “kangaroo congresses and convention” . The court held that the Mark-led group lacked the legal standing to conduct such activities .
The judge also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or participating in any congress organised by a disputed caretaker leadership of the party . She further barred Mark and others from interfering with the functions of elected state executives, affirming that only constitutionally recognised organs of the party can conduct congresses .
Kachikwu: ‘The Battle Is Not Over’
Reacting to the judgment, Kachikwu described it as long overdue and a vindication of his position.
“I had long warned that the ADC is not for sale and that these political buccaneers would be shown the way out through the same back door they came in from,” Kachikwu said .
“With this judgment, it has become clear that these desperados who attempted to hijack our party have failed woefully. We are aware that they are shopping for other parties to destroy and wish them bon voyage,” he added .
Kachikwu urged party faithful to remain vigilant, stating that the battle is not yet over . He expressed confidence that the ADC will be on the ballot in 2027, calling on Nigerians who genuinely desire to salvage the country to see the ADC as a ready home .
CDA News Nigeria gathered that the Chairman of the ADC State Chairmen, Kingsley Oggah, described the judgment as a relief and a validation of their position.
“We see today’s court judgment as a blessing because what we have been fighting for has been resolved. We don’t want this party to die because we have laboured so much and spent time that can’t be quantified building it,” Oggah said .
He warned that a few people, driven by selfish interests, are trying to destroy the ADC, a development the party will not accept .
The ruling is the latest twist in the ADC’s protracted leadership crisis as stakeholders continue to battle for control ahead of the 2027 general elections .
©2026 CDA News Nigeria. All rights reserved.
For news tips, inquiries, or feedback, contact CDA News Nigeria at info@cdanews.ng or visit our headquarters 348 Ikwerre Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
