A former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, has said the party’s lingering leadership crisis remains unresolved, despite a recent ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Kachikwu, in a statement on Thursday, clarified that the apex court did not recognise any faction within the party but instead directed all parties involved in the dispute to return to the trial court for continuation of the case.
He described the decision as a demonstration of judicial restraint, noting that the court refused to be drawn into what he termed attempts to destabilise the party.
According to him, the vacating of the order of status quo ante bellum simply allows contending factions to maintain their claims, pending a final determination by the lower court on who the legitimate leaders are.
“The Supreme Court has not stopped any group from identifying itself as it chooses, but has made it clear that the issue of rightful leadership must be decided by the trial court,” he said.
Kachikwu dismissed claims that the apex court affirmed any group led by David Mark, stressing that no such directive was issued, particularly to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He likened the dispute to rival claimants laying ownership to the same property, insisting that neither faction currently holds a lawful mandate to lead the party.
The former candidate also referenced a Federal High Court ruling by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, which, he said, upheld the tenure of the party’s state executives and restrained any unauthorised congresses or conventions.
He noted that the court affirmed that only constitutionally recognised organs of the party are empowered to conduct congresses, while actions taken outside those provisions were declared null and void.
Kachikwu maintained that the implication of both rulings is that due process must be followed before any group can validly assume leadership of the party.
He cautioned stakeholders against aligning with any faction without legal backing, warning that such actions could deepen the crisis.
“The ADC is not for sale. Those laying claim to it without lawful authority cannot take it anywhere,” he said.
He urged party members to remain calm and law-abiding as the judicial process continues.
