ADC Convention Held Amid Supreme Court Battle Over Party Leadership

The opposition party’s Tuesday convention took place against the backdrop of ongoing legal disputes at the Supreme Court over the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), counsel for the ADC, had earlier confirmed that the apex court granted an accelerated hearing of appeals related to the leadership tussle, setting timelines for the filing of briefs by the parties involved.

The legal battle stems from a Court of Appeal judgment that triggered a fresh crisis over the recognition of party officials. Following the appellate decision, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) removed the names of Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as national officers from its portal.

Speaking on the matter, Okutepa said the Supreme Court would first determine whether the leadership dispute is justiciable.

“So for hearing of the matter, whether or not leadership question is justiciable, that’s all that we have to hear,” he said, adding that further steps would depend on the court’s ruling.

Tensions Over Convention Venue

Meanwhile, tensions surrounding the convention had earlier escalated after allegations emerged that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, pressured the owners of Rainbow Event Centre to withdraw hosting rights for

the ADC event.