Chidinma Iroegbu
A governorship aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State, Barrister Niyi Aborisade, has backed the Federal High Court judgment voiding congresses conducted by the party’s national caretaker leadership.
Aborisade said the ruling clarified the constitutional powers of recognised state executives to conduct party congresses in line with ADC guidelines.
The Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising congresses organised by committees appointed by the Senator David Mark-led caretaker leadership.
The court also barred the caretaker committee from interfering with the tenure and functions of elected state executives across the country.
Reacting to the judgment on Wednesday, Aborisade described the ruling as “clear and unambiguous,” insisting that actions taken outside the party constitution were invalid.
He stated that the judgment reaffirmed due process and strengthened internal party democracy within the ADC structure.
According to him, the court case should not be linked with the separate matter currently before the Supreme Court, as both cases involve different facts and parties.
“The state chairmen involved in this matter are bona fide members of the party who approached the court to seek clarification on their constitutional powers,” he said.
Aborisade maintained that the Supreme Court case concerns an individual no longer affiliated with the ADC, stressing that there was no legal basis to merge both matters.
He urged party members to remain calm and united, warning that internal division could weaken the ADC ahead of future elections, while calling on leaders to embrace dialogue and inclusiveness.