Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused some members of its coalition of attempting to influence ongoing judicial proceedings in the party’s leadership dispute, warning that any interference with the courts poses a threat to Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Truth Live News Media while quoting The Realm News, said the party had received what it described as credible reports of efforts by “certain coalition partners” to secretly manipulate judicial processes relating to the leadership crisis.
According to the NEC, such actions extend beyond an internal party disagreement and undermine the country’s constitutional order.
“Such actions are not only an attack on the ADC but also a direct assault on Nigeria’s Constitution, judicial independence, and the core of our democracy,” the statement said.
The committee called on the judiciary to remain steadfast and resist any external pressure, describing the courts as the final safeguard for justice and the rule of law. “Let it be clear: Justice is non-negotiable.
“The judiciary is a sacred pillar of our constitutional order, guarding the rule of law and serving as the final arbiter for citizens against injustice, impunity, and abuse,” it stated.
The ADC also stressed that court judgments must be respected by all public institutions, insisting that judicial orders are legally binding and not subject to selective compliance.
The party specifically alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had yet to fulfill its constitutional obligations despite what it described as a valid and subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Referring to the April 29 judgment delivered by Justice Abdulmalik, the NEC urged the electoral commission to act without delay.
“The ADC NEC demands that INEC immediately comply with all lawful court orders regarding our party’s leadership,” the statement said.
The committee maintained that its position is firmly rooted in the ADC constitution, which provides clear procedures for leadership succession, party administration and the resolution of internal disputes.
It warned that those provisions must not be set aside to serve personal or political interests.
According to the NEC, neither political ambition nor expediency should override due process, adding that attempts to seize control of the party through intimidation, coercion or disregard for established procedures would not succeed.
“We will defend the party through every lawful and democratic means. We will not retreat or surrender; justice must prevail,” it declared.
The party further appealed to judges handling matters relating to its leadership dispute to remain impartial, while calling on security agencies to prevent any individual or group from disrupting the judicial process or threatening public peace in pursuit of what it termed unlawful political objectives.
It also urged party members across the country to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding, while encouraging civil society organisations, members of the legal profession, pro-democracy groups and Nigerians to speak out against any attempt to undermine the judiciary or weaken the rule of law.
The statement concluded by reaffirming that the substantive National Executive Committee of the African Democratic Congress remains committed to upholding the Constitution, the rule of law and the principles of justice.
