BREAKING: Court Bars INEC from Recognising Mark-Led ADC Congresses

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or participating in any state congresses organised by committees set up by the caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Delivering the ruling on Wednesday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that the authority to conduct state congresses lies solely with the party’s state executive structures, not the national leadership.

The court affirmed that the existing State Working Committees and State Executive Committees of the ADC remain validly constituted, noting that their four-year tenure is still in force. According to the court, these structures can only be dissolved or replaced through properly conducted congresses followed by a duly convened national convention.

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Justice Abdulmalik further ruled that the caretaker or interim National Working Committee led by David Mark lacks the legal authority to constitute committees for the purpose of conducting state congresses. She stressed that neither the Nigerian Constitution nor the ADC’s internal constitution confers such powers on an interim leadership.

The ruling followed a suit instituted by Don Norman Obinna, Johnny Tovie Derek, Obah C. Ehigiator, Hon. Olona Yinka, Dr. Charles Idowu Omideji, Samuel Pam Gyang, and Obianyo Patrick, who approached the court on behalf of themselves and other state party leaders nationwide.

The plaintiffs argued that the actions of the Mark-led caretaker committee were ultra vires, particularly in appointing congress committees. They contended that any congress conducted under such arrangements would contravene the party’s constitution and undermine internal democracy.

Named as defendants in the suit were the ADC, David Mark, Patricia Akwashiki, Bolaji Abdullahi, Rauf Aregbesola, Oserheimen Osunbor, and INEC, all cited for their roles in the caretaker arrangement.

The plaintiffs also challenged the planned April 2026 state congresses, insisting that allowing the caretaker leadership to oversee the process would erode due process and weaken internal party governance.

With the court’s decision, INEC is now barred from recognising any outcome arising from congresses conducted by committees linked to the ADC caretaker leadership.

BREAKING: Court Bars INEC from Recognising Mark-Led ADC Congresses

“Hamzat Is Scared of Primaries” — Lagos APC Aspirant Rejects Consensus Plan 

Tension is rising within the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 governorship election, as aspirant Samuel Ajose has openly rejected moves to adopt a consensus candidate, insisting the party must conduct a full primary election.

Ajose accused Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, of avoiding an open contest by backing consensus arrangements instead of allowing party members to decide through primaries.

He made the remarks during an appearance on Politics Today on Tuesday, where he strongly criticised what he described as attempts to sideline other aspirants in the race.

Ajose argued that the idea of consensus is being misapplied within the party, stressing that true consensus requires the agreement of all aspirants who have already purchased nomination forms.

“We understand what consensus means. Consensus says that every aspirant who has picked the party nomination form must consent to it. We don’t know why Hamzat is scared of going into the primaries,” he said.

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He maintained that any credible aspirant should be willing to face delegates in a competitive primary, insisting that internal democracy remains the foundation of the APC’s strength in Lagos.

“If you are big, you have the popularity, the networks and the grassroots support, then let’s go into the primaries. Why is everybody scared of the primaries? Everybody must go into the primaries; that is what the constitution says,” he added.

Ajose also criticised reported endorsements allegedly backing Hamzat’s emergence as a consensus candidate. He described the move by the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as a “kangaroo endorsement,” arguing that it excluded other aspirants and lacked transparency.

He claimed that no inclusive meeting was held involving all governorship aspirants before the reported endorsement, insisting that the process undermines internal democracy within the party.

Beyond party politics, Ajose suggested that public dissatisfaction with governance in Lagos could influence the outcome of the 2027 election, arguing that voters are increasingly demanding change.

The controversy follows reports that the Governance Advisory Council, widely regarded as the highest decision-making body of the Lagos APC, had endorsed Hamzat as the party’s preferred consensus candidate during a meeting at Lagos House, Marina.

The reported decision has continued to generate debate within the party, with some stakeholders backing consensus to avoid internal division, while others insist that a primary election remains the most democratic option.

As preparations for 2027 intensify, the Lagos APC is expected to take a final position on whether it will proceed with a consensus arrangement or open its governorship ticket to a full contest among all aspirants.

“Hamzat Is Scared of Primaries” — Lagos APC Aspirant Rejects Consensus Plan

Ogun East 2027: Gbenga Daniel Rejects APC Consensus Move, Rejoins Senate Race

Former Ogun State Governor and serving senator, Gbenga Daniel, has formally obtained the All Progressives Congress (APC) Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to contest the Ogun East Senatorial District seat in the 2027 general elections.

Daniel confirmed the development on Tuesday via his official X account, declaring his intention to return to the Senate and continue representing his constituents under the APC platform.

“Today, I picked up my nomination and expression of interest forms as I seek to return to the Nigerian Senate, continuing my efforts to provide effective and responsive representation for the people of Ogun East Senatorial District under the platform of the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he wrote.

His declaration comes amid rising tension within the Ogun East APC over an alleged consensus arrangement reportedly favouring Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, as the preferred candidate for the senatorial ticket.

Reports indicate that the alleged endorsement emerged from a stakeholders’ meeting held in Ijebu-Ode, where party leaders, grassroots stakeholders, and political office holders were said to have backed the governor as the consensus choice for the seat. Some party leaders, including former senator Lekan Mustapha and other stakeholders, reportedly supported the move, describing it as a collective decision reflecting unity within the district. The Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, was also quoted as saying the endorsement reflected confidence in the governor’s leadership and political influence.

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However, the process has sparked controversy following allegations that Senator Daniel was prevented from attending the meeting where the consensus decision was reached. In a video shared online, Daniel expressed frustration over being denied access to the venue, describing the situation as exclusionary. “We have been here for our Ogun East APC caucus meeting since 10am, but surprisingly, we have been barred. We are told that we can’t enter,” he said. His supporters have since criticised the development, arguing that it undermines internal democracy within the party.

Despite the disagreement, Daniel has now formally joined the race, rejecting any arrangement that bypasses a competitive primary election. His entry is expected to intensify competition within the APC ahead of its 2027 senatorial primaries, as aspirants position themselves for party tickets across all elective offices.

The APC timetable shows that nomination sales, screening, and primaries will hold between April and May 2026 across senatorial, governorship, House of Representatives, and presidential categories.

Political analysts say the development signals growing divisions within the Ogun APC over consensus candidacy, zoning arrangements, and control of party structures ahead of the next general elections. Gbenga Daniel, a two-term former governor and influential political actor in Ogun State, remains one of the most prominent contenders for the Ogun East Senate seat.

As preparations continue, attention is now focused on whether the party will enforce a consensus arrangement or allow a full primary election to determine its candidate.

Ogun East 2027: Gbenga Daniel Rejects APC Consensus Move, Rejoins Senate Race