Fresh crisis has hit the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as state chairmen from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have dragged the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to court over alleged violation of its constitution.
The plaintiffs are challenging actions taken by the NWC led by former Senate President, David Mark, particularly the establishment of committees to conduct state primary elections scheduled for April.
The State Working Committees accused the NWC of usurping their constitutional responsibilities by setting up committees to oversee state primaries.
They argued that organising state congresses and primaries falls exclusively within the powers of state executive committees under the party’s constitution.
In an originating summons filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, the plaintiffs are seeking an order restraining the NWC from proceeding with the primaries.
They asked the court to issue a perpetual interlocutory injunction preventing the conduct of the exercise pending the determination of the case.
The plaintiffs are also asking the court to determine whether the interim or caretaker working committee constituted by the NWC has the legal authority to organise state primaries.
They questioned the legality of appointing congress committees outside the framework of the party’s constitution.
Another key issue raised in the suit is whether the tenure of the current state executive committees remains valid.
The plaintiffs argued that their four-year tenure subsists until a valid state congress and national convention are conducted, in line with constitutional provisions.
The suit, filed by Don Norma Obinna and six others on behalf of the chairmen, joined the ADC, its NWC chairman David Mark, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and other parties as defendants.
Among the reliefs sought are orders restraining the defendants and their agents from interfering with the functions, duties, and tenure of the state executive committees.
The plaintiffs also want the court to declare the appointment of congress committee members by the caretaker or interim NWC as unconstitutional, null, and void.