BREAKING: Fresh Plot By Dumebi Kachikwu to Stop INEC From Recognising David Mark-Led ADC fails
Kachikwu, through his counsel, Dayo Akinlaja (SAN), had sought an interlocutory injunction compelling INEC to withdraw what he described as the “unlawful publication” of the names of former Senate President David Mark...
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Fresh Plot By Dumebi Kachikwu to Stop INEC From Recognising David Mark-Led ADC fails
The bid by 2023 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, to block the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the David Mark-led leadership of the party has suffered a setback, as the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday declined to hear his application.
Kachikwu, through his counsel, Dayo Akinlaja (SAN), had sought an interlocutory injunction compelling INEC to withdraw what he described as the “unlawful publication” of the names of former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as ADC’s national chairman and secretary, respectively.
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However, Justice James Omotosho refused to entertain the request, ruling that the matter would only be considered alongside the substantive suit.
“This court is not inclined to nullify anything at this stage, whether done before or now. This is a political case. I am not taking any interlocutory matter,” the judge held.
The Case
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The plaintiffs in the suit include Mr. Kachikwu, Adikwu Elias, Etimbuk Umoh, Muhammed Khala and Alaku Godwin William. The defendants are INEC, ADC, Ralph Nwosu, David Mark, and Rauf Aregbesola.
Mr. Akinlaja argued that INEC’s recognition of Mark and Aregbesola violated the principle of lis pendens — which prevents parties from taking steps on a matter already before a court. He urged the court to set aside the recognition and restrain the duo from acting as ADC’s national officers pending determination of the suit.
But counsel for ADC, Shaibu Aruwa (SAN), opposed the application, urging the court not to entertain the motion separately.
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Justice Omotosho agreed, ruling that all pending applications, including the defence’s preliminary objections, would be heard alongside the main case.
The judge, however, granted a joinder application filed by Nkem Ukandu, the deputy national secretary of ADC, and ordered that the plaintiffs amend their processes within 48 working hours to reflect his inclusion as a defendant.
The matter was adjourned until October 23 for hearing.
Background
The ADC has been enmeshed in a leadership crisis following the adoption of the party by an opposition coalition, reportedly backed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Mark was named interim chairman and Aregbesola national secretary, a move that has sparked opposition from members of the former working committee, who insist the appointments were unconstitutional.
Several suits have since been filed to challenge the legitimacy of the new leadership. In a related case before Justice Emeka Nwite, another party chieftain, Nafiu-Bala Gombe, sought interim orders to restrain Mark and Aregbesola, but his prayers were similarly refused. That case remains pending.
