The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said the judgment of the Court of Appeal on its ward, local government and state congresses does not affect the validity of the direct primaries through which its candidates for the 2027 general elections emerged.
The party also disclosed that it has commenced an appeal at the Supreme Court, describing the appellate court’s decision as legally unsustainable.
In a statement issued on Monday by its national publicity secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC assured its members and supporters that the judgment relates only to the party’s congresses for the election of ward, local government and state executive committees and has no bearing on its direct primaries.
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) notes the judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal in Abuja on Monday in a matter relating to party congresses for the election of ward, local government and state executive committees of the party.
“We wish to assure members of the party and the general public that this judgment has no effect whatsoever on the direct primaries through which the party’s candidates have emerged at all levels,” the statement said.
The party stated that it had already begun the process of challenging the judgment at the Supreme Court, insisting that it disagrees with the decision and considers it legally unsustainable.
According to the ADC, the dissenting judgment delivered by the presiding Justice more accurately reflects the settled position of the law and the party’s position on the matter.
“We also note the dissenting judgment of the presiding Justice, which, in our view, more accurately reflects the settled position of the law and the party’s position,” it added.
The opposition party urged its members and supporters across the country to remain calm and focused, assuring them that the legal process would be pursued to its logical conclusion.
It reaffirmed its commitment to providing Nigerians with what it described as a credible political alternative, stressing that it would continue to pursue its mission in line with the Constitution and the rule of law.