The Federal High Court in Abuja has dealt a significant setback to the Senator David Mark-led caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), voiding its moves to organise state congresses ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a judgment delivered on Wednesday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or participating in any congress conducted by committees set up by the Mark-led caretaker group.

The court further restrained the interim leadership from interfering with the tenure and functions of duly elected state executives of the party, affirming that only constitutionally recognised structures have the authority to organise such congresses.

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Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the responsibility for conducting state congresses rests squarely with the party’s state executive committees, not the national caretaker body.

She held that the tenure of the ADC’s State Working Committees and State Executive Committees remains valid and subsisting until properly conducted congresses and a national convention are held.

The decision followed a suit filed by aggrieved party members, who challenged the legality of the caretaker committee’s plan to oversee state congresses scheduled for April 2026.

The plaintiffs argued that the move violated the party’s constitution and undermined internal democratic processes.

In her ruling, the judge agreed with the plaintiffs, stating that neither the 1999 Constitution (as amended) nor the ADC constitution empowers a caretaker or interim national leadership to appoint committees for the purpose of conducting state congresses.

She emphasised that although courts are generally cautious about interfering in the internal affairs of political parties, intervention becomes necessary where there is clear evidence of constitutional or statutory violations.

“The court has a duty to intervene where breaches of the law are established,” she ruled, dismissing arguments challenging the court’s jurisdiction in the matter.

Justice Abdulmalik also referenced Section 223 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates political parties to conduct periodic elections based on democratic principles, alongside provisions of the ADC constitution that define the tenure and powers of party officials.

The court concluded that the actions of the Mark-led caretaker committee lacked legal backing and accordingly nullified any processes initiated toward conducting the disputed congresses.

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dan Ulasi, has warned that the party stands little chance of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections if Nyesom Wike continues to play a leading role while allegedly supporting the ruling government.

Ulasi, who spoke during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, expressed deep concern over what he described as a “contradictory situation” within the PDP, stressing that such internal inconsistencies could weaken the party’s credibility and chances at the polls.

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“I don’t see my party as presently constituted challenging Tinubu with Wike as national leader,” Ulasi said, warning that he may be forced to leave the party if the issue is not addressed.

The PDP stalwart argued that Wike cannot effectively serve as a leader in the opposition while maintaining close ties with President Tinubu, describing the situation as “unconstructive” for a party seeking to reclaim power at the national level.

He further questioned what role Wike would play if another candidate emerges as the PDP’s presidential flag-bearer ahead of the 2027 election, asking whether the former Rivers State governor would actively participate in party rallies or align with the ruling party’s activities.

Ulasi warned that the party’s next meeting could be his last if its leadership fails to provide satisfactory explanations, insisting that he cannot continue to be part of a process riddled with contradictions.

In a related development, Ulasi revealed that Peter Obi had visited him several times this year, including a recent meeting following an appearance in Enugu.

He spoke positively about Obi’s vision for Nigeria, noting that the former presidential candidate offers a sense of hope for the country’s future, although he stopped short of declaring any political alignment.

Reflecting on his longstanding ties to the PDP, Ulasi recalled his role during the party’s formation alongside late former Vice-President Alex Ekueme and other founding members.

Despite his deep connection to the party, he maintained that he would rather step aside than remain in a system he considers inconsistent.

He added that if he eventually exits the PDP, he has no plans to join another political party, stating that he would instead operate as a private consultant.

There was tension within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday after former Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, alleged that he was barred from attending a stakeholders’ meeting of the party held in Ijebu Ode.

The meeting, which took place at Adeola Odutola Hall, was reportedly convened to bring together key party stakeholders, including current and former local government chairmen, councillors, and serving as well as former lawmakers from both state and national levels.

However, the senator, in a viral video circulating online, claimed he was denied entry into the venue despite being part of the expected attendees.

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Speaking from his branded campaign bus parked at the venue, Daniel expressed disappointment over the situation, saying he and his team were stopped from accessing the meeting.

He further questioned the legitimacy of any resolutions reached at the gathering, suggesting that the outcome of the meeting should not be considered valid.

As of press time, the Ogun State APC leadership had yet to issue an official response to the allegation.