The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said the Court of Appeal judgment affirming an order against congresses organised by its caretaker leadership does not affect the party's primary elections or the validity of candidates who emerged through them.
The party made the clarification in a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, following the appellate court's ruling in Abuja.
According to the ADC, the judgment relates only to party congresses conducted for the election of ward, local government and state executive committees.
"The African Democratic Congress (ADC) notes the judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal in Abuja on Monday in a matter relating to party congresses for the election of ward, local government and state executive committees of the party," the statement read.
The party assured its members and the public that the decision does not affect its primary elections.
"We wish to assure members of the party and the general public that this judgment has no effect whatsoever on the direct primaries through which the party's candidates have emerged at all levels," the statement said.
The ADC also disclosed that it has begun the process of challenging the judgment at the Supreme Court, maintaining that it disagrees with the majority decision.
"The party has already commenced the process of appealing the judgment, which we respectfully disagree with and consider to be legally unsustainable," Abdullahi stated.
The party further pointed to the dissenting opinion delivered by the presiding justice of the appellate panel, saying it believes the minority judgment better reflects the law and supports its position.
"We also note the dissenting judgment of the presiding Justice, which, in our view, more accurately reflects the settled position of the law and the party's position," the statement added.
The ADC urged its members and supporters to remain calm as the legal process continues.
"We urge all party members and the millions of our supporters to remain calm, confident and focused," it said.
Reaffirming its commitment to its political agenda, the party added that it "remains committed to the task of providing Nigerians with a credible alternative and will continue to pursue that mission in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law."
The statement followed Monday's Court of Appeal judgment, which upheld a Federal High Court order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising state congresses organised by committees appointed by the Senator David Mark-led caretaker leadership of the ADC. The appellate court also held that the congresses and national convention conducted by the caretaker leadership were invalid, prompting the party to announce plans to challenge the decision at the Supreme Court.
