From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
The African Democratic Congress, ADC, Kaduna State, has called for immediate compliance with the recent Court of Appeal judgment in Abuja, reaffirming the legitimacy of the duly elected State Working Committee and urging members aligned with factional structures to return to the authentic party leadership.
Addressing a press conference in Kaduna on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, the State Chairman, Hon. Ahmed Tijjani Mustapha, stated that the judgment has provided clarity on the true leadership of the party in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Delivering the statement on behalf of the duly elected State Working Committee 2022–2026 and the State Executive Committee, Mustapha said the Court of Appeal, in a majority judgment of 2–1, affirmed the order of the Federal High Court restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from recognizing state congresses, activities, or purported leadership structures arising from the committees established during the ADC April congresses.
“The position, as affirmed by the Court, is clear: the constitutionally recognized and duly elected State Executive Committees remain the legitimate structures empowered to conduct congresses. Processes undertaken outside the recognized constitutional framework cannot confer legitimate authority,” he stated.
The party outlined three key positions following the judgment.
First, the ADC called on members aligned with factional structures to immediately respect the judgment and return to the legacy leadership. “We urge you to return and work with the duly elected Legacy ADC leadership. Our objective is not exclusion but the restoration of order, unity, and constitutionalism within our party,” Mustapha said.
Second, to individuals laying competing claims to the leadership, the party urged strict compliance with the judgment and all existing court orders. “Continued actions contrary to judicial pronouncements risk undermining the rule of law and the integrity of our party. Where necessary, the legitimate leadership will take appropriate lawful steps to protect the constitution, structures, and interests of the ADC,” he warned.
Third, to genuine members and supporters, the chairman assured that the duly elected leadership remains intact and committed to rebuilding a strong and inclusive political platform. “Our doors remain open to every well-meaning member prepared to work in accordance with the party constitution, the rule of law, and our collective aspirations,” he said.
Mustapha described the moment as one for reconciliation rather than division and invited all ADC members in Kaduna who may have aligned with other structures not recognized by the legitimate organs of the party to “return home.”
“This is therefore a call for reconciliation and unity. The time has come to close ranks, put our differences behind us, and build a united, disciplined, and credible political movement capable of earning the confidence of the people of Kaduna State,” he said.
He added that the ADC in Kaduna State stands firmly for constitutional order, internal democracy, and respect for lawful party structures, and will not allow internal divisions to undermine the party’s opportunity in 2027.
The chairman also pledged the Kaduna State chapter’s loyalty to the authentic national leadership of the party under Senator David Bonaventure Mark, CFR, stating the state remains committed to working with all stakeholders to reposition the ADC as a credible and victorious platform.
“To those who continue to lay claim to leadership in contradiction to the judgment, we respectfully urge immediate compliance with the decision of the Court of Appeal. Failure to do so will leave the legitimate leadership with no alternative but to pursue all lawful measures necessary to safeguard the constitution, integrity, and institutional stability of our great party,” Mustapha said.
