The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the timing of the release of the authenticated copy of Justice Peter Lifu’s judgment on its leadership dispute, saying it was delivered on the final day allowed by the Constitution and left the party with limited time to prepare its legal response.
The party also vowed to challenge the ruling through available legal channels, as its members staged a protest on Wednesday against what they described as the unfair withholding of the judgment.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, November 11, and signed by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, the party said the certified copy was released only on the last day of the constitutionally prescribed seven-day period.
Justice Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja had, in a judgment delivered on November 5, nullified the processes that produced the David Mark-led national leadership of the ADC and invalidated decisions taken by the leadership, including the party’s 2027 primary election processes.
The ruling followed a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the party. Its implications extend to Atiku Abubakar’s emergence as the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
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Reacting to the release of the authenticated judgment, the ADC cited Section 294(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which requires courts to provide parties with authenticated copies of their decisions within seven days of delivery.
The provision states: “Every court established under this Constitution shall deliver its decision in writing not later than ninety days after the conclusion of evidence and final addresses and furnish all parties to the cause or matter determined with duly authenticated copies of the decision within seven days of the delivery thereof.”
The party said receiving the document at the end of the stipulated period had constrained its ability to study the ruling and determine its next legal steps.
“The ADC will study the judgment and pursue every lawful remedy available. But the timing of the release raises serious concern, especially as our party continues to face actions that obstruct its campaign and political consultations,” the statement said.
The party’s protest against the ruling came as it also accused the Kaduna State Government of sealing Arewa House, the proposed venue for Atiku’s consultation with Northern stakeholders scheduled for Thursday.
Atiku said: “My campaign team had proposed the Arewa House as the venue for our consultation with stakeholders on Thursday and, today, the APC government decided to seal the building.”
The ADC accused President Bola Tinubu and the APC of attempting to restrict opposition activities, recalling an alleged disruption of its campaign flag-off in Sokoto.
It nevertheless insisted that it would not be intimidated, pledging to continue its political consultations, pursue its legal rights and present its message to Nigerians.