Ruling: ADC State Leaders Warn of Legal Action Against Mark for Defiance

The state chairmen of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, have issued a stern warning, threatening to initiate contempt proceedings against the party's national chairman, Senator David Mark, and other key officers, citing a blatant disregard for the Federal High Court's order of April 29, 2026, which confirmed that their tenure remains intact.

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This order, as stated, declared that the state chairmen's tenure has not expired, a fact that Senator Mark is accused of violating through his actions, according to the state chairmen, who claim he is acting in contravention of the court's ruling.

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In a formal letter penned by their counsel, Kolawole Olowookere, the state chairmen alleged that the National Working Committee, led by Senator Mark, has taken specific actions that defy the Federal High Court's order, as outlined in the letter titled "Re: Demand for strict compliance with the judgement of the Federal High Court delivered on 29th April, 2026, in Suit No: FHC/CS/581/2026, Don Norman Obinna & 6 ors vs ADC & 6 ors".

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The letter highlights that the Mark-led NWC has made plans to convene a national convention on May 19, 2026, under the assumption that the state chairmen's tenure will expire on that date, a claim they dispute as incorrect.

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Furthermore, the state chairmen contend that the NWC, under Senator Mark's leadership, has commenced selling nomination forms to aspirants without their knowledge, authorization, or consent, prompting them to urge Senator Mark to ensure that all party actions align with the party's constitution and the Federal High Court's judgement.

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Senator Mark's actions, the state chairmen caution, will have a detrimental impact on the party's chances in the 2027 general election, emphasizing the need for him to acknowledge the tenure of the elected state executive committees and suspend the sale of forms to ensure full compliance with the court's order.

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The state chairmen reaffirm their commitment to the party while stressing that protecting the ADC's prospects in the 2027 general election necessitates strict adherence to the rule of law and compliance with the Federal High Court's judgement.

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A letter from the state chairmen's counsel states, "We write to draw your attention to the subsisting judgement of the Federal High Court delivered on 29th April, 2026," which unequivocally recognizes the validity of the state chairmen's tenure until a legitimate national convention is held.

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The letter continues, "The legal implications of the judgement are clear and unambiguous, affirming that the elected chairmen lawfully occupy their offices until a proper national convention is convened in accordance with the party's constitution and the court's order."

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The state chairmen's counsel warns that any further disregard for the Federal High Court's judgement may expose the party and its principal officers to contempt proceedings and other legal actions, emphasizing that all steps taken by the party must strictly conform to the party's constitution and the court's order.