The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced plans to institute legal action against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over what it described as a “mischievous” interpretation of a recent ruling by the Court of Appeal regarding the party’s leadership.
Addressing journalists on behalf of the Katsina State chapter of the party on Sunday evening, Lawal Tukur-Batagarawa said the party’s national leadership, in consultation with its legal team, has concluded plans to challenge INEC’s action in a court of competent jurisdiction.
He explained that INEC’s decision to remove the ADC leadership from its official portal was based on a flawed understanding of the appellate court’s directive to maintain the “status quo” pending further proceedings.
Describing the move as “mischievous” and a misinterpretation of the ruling, Tukur-Batagarawa said the judgment did not warrant the suspension or removal of the party’s leadership structure from the commission’s portal.
According to him, the court had ordered the maintenance of the status quo pending further developments, but INEC “wrongly interpreted this directive to mean a suspension of its entire national leadership structure.”
He said: “The INEC deliberately, consciously, to create mischief and doubt in the minds of people, interpreted the status quo to mean suspending the entire leadership structure of the African Democratic Congress. This is sheer mischief.
“The national headquarters of our party, in consultation with our legal team, deliberated extensively on this matter and came to the conclusion that we are going to challenge this interpretation of INEC in the court of competent jurisdiction. We are sure the interpretation of INEC was mischievous and wrong.”
Despite the development, Tukur-Batagarawa reaffirmed the party’s commitment to continuing all scheduled political activities in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
He further disclosed that the party would conduct its congresses at the ward, local government, and state levels as planned, culminating in a national convention slated for April 14.
He emphasised that the decision to proceed with the party’s activities reflects confidence in its legal position and determination to maintain internal stability.
Tukur-Batagarawa reiterated that the ADC’s primary objective remains to provide credible political alternatives, assuring supporters that the current dispute would not derail its long-term plans.
He, however, called on members nationwide to remain calm, united, and focused on strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
By Francis Sardauna
