State chairmen of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, have threatened to file contempt proceedings against the national chairman of the party, Senator David Mark, and other principal officers over alleged violation of the April 29, 2026, order of the Federal High Court, which declared that the tenure of the state chairmen has not expired.
They accused Senator Mark of acting in violation of the order of the Federal High Court, which preserved their tenure until a properly convened and valid national convention is held.
In a letter by their counsel, Kolawole Olowookere, titled, “Re: Demand for strict compliance with the judgement of the Federal High Court delivered on 29th April, 2026, in Suit No: FHC/CS/581/2026, Don Norman Obinna & 6 ors vs ADC & 6 ors,” the state chairmen alleged that the National Working Committee, NWC, led by Senator Mark, has taken actions in violation of the order of the Federal High Court.
The state chairmen also alleged that the Mark-led NWC has planned a national convention of the party on May 19, 2026, on the assumption that the tenure of the state chairmen will expire on that date, which they said is incorrect.
They further noted that the Mark-led NWC has commenced the sale of nomination forms to aspirants without their involvement, authorisation and consent, and urged him to ensure that all actions taken by the party strictly conform with the constitution of the party and the judgement of the Federal High Court.
The chairmen maintained that Mark’s action will mar the chances of the party in the 2027 general election.
They urged him to recognise the tenure of the elected state executive committees, suspend the sale of forms and fully comply with the order of the court.
Stressing that they remain committed to the party, the state chairmen also stated that safeguarding the ADC’s chances in the 2027 general election requires strict adherence to the rule of law and compliance with the judgement of the Federal High Court.
The letter read: “We write to draw your attention to the subsisting judgement of the Federal High Court delivered on 29th April, 2026. In the judgement, the court unequivocally recognised and affirmed that the tenure of our clients, who are the duly elected state chairmen of the party, remains valid and subsisting until the conduct of a valid national convention of the party.
“The legal implication of the judgement is clear and unambiguous. The elected chairmen continue to occupy their offices lawfully until a proper national convention of the party is convened in accordance with the constitution of the party and the order of the court.
“All steps taken by the party must strictly conform with the constitution of the party and order of the Federal High Court.
“Kindly note that any continuous disregard of the said judgement of the Federal High Court may expose the party and its principal officers to contempt proceedings and other appropriate legal actions.”
