Breaking: Tension as Court Takes Action on Suit Seeking ADC's Deregistration
- The Federal High Court in Abuja has announced an adjournment on the case seeking the deregistration of the ADC
- In the suit filed by the NFFL, the court was urged to deregister the ADC, Accord Party, ZLP and Action Alliance of Omoyele Sowore
- According to the plaintiff, the defendants did not comply with Section 225 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the hearing of the suit seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and Action Alliance.
Justice Peter Lifu of the trial court adjourned the hearing of the suit, which was filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), alleging that the parties breached section 225 of the 1999 Constitution.
Source: Twitter
Channels TV reported that the judge fixed May 5 for the hearing of the matter following the granting of leave to amend the originating summons to the NFFL, where other political parties alleged to have breached the constitutional provision, along with the ADC, were formally included.
In the suit, the plaintiff sought the amendment and argued that the affected political parties must be joined in the suit properly.
In a short ruling, the judge directed that the parties that are yet to respond to the amendment of the originating summons should do so immediately. It stated that the issue was time-sensitive and of significant public importance.
Supreme Court reserves judgment on ADC crisis
This came barely one week after the Supreme Court reserved its judgment in David Mark's appeal concerning the leadership dispute of the ADC. A five-member panel, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, announced on Wednesday, April 22, that the date of the judgment will be communicated to their lawyers.
The decision of the apex court generated mixed reactions from Nigerians. Below are some of their comments:
Kolade commended democracy by comparing the status of the leaders of the two ADC factions:
"Democracy na one crazy leveller sha. This image dei make me laff. A relatively unknown Nafiu Bala, face-to-face with a retired general, a former number 3 citizen of the federal republic. What a time."
Source: Twitter
Anthony urged the opposition to seek alternatives:
"I hope the opposition has plan B because reserved judgments can take weeks. What milestones on the 2023–2027 election calendar make this a de facto deadline for the ADC, and what contingency plans should aspirants under the party’s platform be making now to avoid their nominations being invalidated by a late or adverse ruling?"
Diplomat expressed confidence in the judiciary:
"This case is bigger than one person; it’s about doing the right thing for the party. David Mark has shown leadership and experience, and I believe justice will prevail."
Mubee scrutinised the matter:
"The fact that the Supreme Court reserved judgment (instead of giving an immediate ruling) suggests the case isn’t straightforward. They’re weighing legal technicalities, party constitution, and possibly precedents."
You can read more comments on the matter on X here:
ADC presidential ticket: Peter Obi appeals to Amaechi
Legit.ng earlier reported that the ADC presidential ticket race intensified as Peter Obi reportedly appealed to his counterpart, Rotimi Amaechi, to step down for him.
Obi was reported to have visited the former governor of Rivers, along with some Southeast leaders, at his Abuja residence ahead of the primary.
A source privy to the weekend meeting disclosed Amaechi's response to the delegation as the INEC deadline for party primaries drew closer.
Source: Legit.ng
