Peter Obi blames APC for court ruling invalidating ADC leadership

Former Vice President Peter Obi has attributed the recent Federal High Court ruling that declared the African Democratic Congress (ADC) national leadership illegal to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The court in Abuja ruled on Thursday that the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Senator David Mark was not legally constituted. This judgment effectively nullifies the body that conducted the party’s presidential primaries, which selected former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the ADC’s flagbearer for the upcoming election.

In response to the verdict, the ADC has formally declared its intention to appeal the decision. Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, the party’s National Legal Adviser and former Governor of Edo State, stated that the ruling lacks legal merit and cannot withstand scrutiny. Osunbor appeared on a live discussion show on Channels Television, where he stated his belief that the appellate bench would overturn the ruling issued by Justice Peter Lifu at the Federal High Court in Abuja. He maintained that the party’s operations and campaign machinery remain undisturbed despite the legal setback.

Background

The legal dispute centres on the legitimacy of the ADC’s current leadership structure. According to Osunbor, the case was initially filed by an individual named Matthew Gombe before Justice Emeka Nwite. However, the matter was later heard by Justice Lifu, who delivered the contentious ruling. Osunbor argued that the decision contradicts two existing Federal High Court judgments that have previously affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led NWC. He pointed to a legal case initiated by Hon. Leke Abejide, which had been rejected in favor of the existing party officials. The legal adviser noted that the Supreme Court has previously condemned conflicting rulings from courts of the same jurisdiction, an anomaly he claimed was raised during the proceedings but ignored by Justice Lifu.

Osunbor also criticised the judicial track record of Justice Lifu, alleging that the judge has become known for delivering contentious decisions. He also mentioned a previous unanimous appellate ruling that had criticized the judge for overstepping judicial boundaries. In addition, a representative of the ADC’s presidential campaign team characterized the judicial decision as a hasty response to the massive turnout at the party’s recent national rally kickoff. The party views the legal challenge as a calculated attempt to distract the public and potentially derail Atiku Abubakar’s presidential bid.

Why it matters

The ruling has significant implications for the 2027 presidential election, as it casts doubt on the validity of the ADC’s candidate selection process. Peter Obi, who is not the ADC’s current candidate but a prominent political figure, has publicly blamed the ruling APC for the judgment. This accusation highlights the deepening partisan tensions surrounding the electoral process. The ADC maintains that the administration under President Bola Tinubu is deflecting blame for national socioeconomic challenges, including the severe cost-of-living crisis, by pointing to state governors. Osunbor argued that Atiku Abubakar continues to offer solutions, such as the reinstatement of petroleum subsidies, which the party identifies as a primary factor in the current economic hardship.

The situation underscores the legal fragility of the ADC’s leadership structure. If the appeal fails, the party may face further internal turmoil regarding the validity of its presidential primary. Conversely, a successful appeal would reinforce the legitimacy of Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy and the David Mark-led NWC. The involvement of high-profile legal figures and the public statements by political leaders indicate that this legal battle will remain a focal point of Nigerian political discourse in the lead-up to the general elections.

What happens next

The ADC is preparing to file an appeal with the Court of Appeal to challenge the Federal High Court’s decision. Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor has indicated that the party is optimistic about the outcome of this higher court review. The next steps will depend on the legal arguments presented in the appeal and the subsequent judgment by the appellate court. Until then, the ADC continues its nationwide campaign rallies, asserting that the legal pronouncement does not disrupt its political activities.