•Dumebi Kachikwu
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has welcomed the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissing a suit filed by former presidential aspirant, Dumebi Kachikwu, and four others against the party.
This comes as the party also vowed not to allow its members, supporters, and facilities to become targets of political violence, following an alleged attack on its secretariat in Ubima, which it said was burnt down by thugs loyal to the ruling party, reports The Nation.
In separate statements today by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the Federal High Court judgment reaffirmed the right of political parties to manage their internal affairs without external interference.
“The judgment is a welcome affirmation of the well-established legal principle that political parties retain the constitutional right to manage their internal affairs without undue interference,” Abdullahi said.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who presided over the case marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1331/2025 — Dumebi Kachikwu & 4 Others. vs INEC & 5 Others, upheld the preliminary objections filed by counsel to the ADC, its National Chairman, Senator David Mark, and the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola.
The court held that the issues raised in the suit bordered on the leadership and membership of the party and were therefore non-justiciable, declining jurisdiction.
Reacting to the ruling, the ADC commended the judiciary for what it described as its commitment to the rule of law but urged the courts to remain neutral in matters affecting Nigeria’s democracy.
“We commend the judiciary for once again demonstrating its commitment to upholding the rule of law, while we remain suspicious and vigilant about the ruling party’s grand plan to foist a fait accompli on Nigerians in 2027.
“We urge the courts to remain apolitical and not allow themselves to be used in undermining Nigeria’s democracy,” the party said.
The party also called on Nigerians who believe in democratic renewal and responsible leadership to join its platform, urging them to register through its online membership portal.
Meanwhile, the ADC condemned what it described as a criminal attack on its party secretariat in Ubima, Rivers State, which it said was burnt on Wednesday night.
The party alleged that the building was set ablaze by thugs loyal to the ruling party, describing the incident as an attack on democratic values.
“This fire is not only an attack on the African Democratic Congress as a political party, it is also a direct assault on democracy, political tolerance, and the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freely associate and participate in the democratic process,” the statement said.
The ADC said the incident formed part of what it described as a pattern of intimidation and violence against its members and facilities across the country.
“Just a few days ago, ADC members were shot at during a political gathering. This is also not the first time that our offices have been targeted,” the party said.
It added that attacks, harassment, and acts of vandalism against its offices in several locations were aimed at intimidating members and disrupting party activities.
“Let it therefore be stated clearly, this kind of politics is unacceptable and must stop immediately,” the statement added.
While describing itself as a peaceful and law-abiding political party, the ADC said it would take lawful steps to protect its members and property.
“We will not stand by and allow our members, supporters, and facilities to become easy targets for political thuggery. We will take every lawful step necessary to protect our party and our members across the country,” it said.
The party also called on security agencies to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
“Anything short of this will embolden those who believe violence can silence political participation and weaken Nigeria’s democracy,” the statement added.
It maintained that no amount of intimidation or destruction would weaken its commitment to building what it described as a democratic Nigeria founded on justice, fairness, and the rule of law.
However, the party’s former presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, could not be reached for comment on the court’s pronouncement and the party’s reaction, as he was said to be in a meeting at the time of filing this report.
