The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2023 elections, Dumebi Kachikwu, has reacted to the Supreme Court ruling on the party’s leadership dispute, describing it as a wise and balanced decision.
A statement signed by him, says the Supreme Court refused to take sides in the crisis involving a faction allegedly led by David Mark, instead directing both parties to return to the trial court for the continuation of the case.
According to him, the apex court’s decision to vacate the order of status quo ante bellum does not amount to recognition of any faction.
The statement explains that both groups are free to identify themselves as they wish, pending a final determination by the lower court on the legitimate leadership of the party.
It also stresses that the Supreme Court did not issue any directive to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise any group.
According to the statement, Kachikwu further references an earlier ruling by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, which affirmed that the tenure of the ADC State Working Committees remains valid and must not be disrupted.
The statement emphasizes that the court also held that only the State Executive Committees have the constitutional authority to conduct state congresses, declaring any externally appointed committees as unlawful and a violation of the party’s constitution.
It adds that the court issued a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants and their associates from organising any congresses or national convention for the party.
It maintains that these rulings reinforce his position that no faction currently has a legitimate claim to the party’s leadership, urging members and the public to be cautious amid the ongoing dispute.
