Court Stops ADC Congress, Orders Status Quo in Leadership Row

Court Stops ADC Congress, Orders Status Quo in Leadership Row

A High Court in Katsina State has issued an interim order restraining key members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from parading themselves as officials of the party in the state and barred the conduct of any party congress pending the determination of a suit before the court.

The order followed an ex parte motion filed by Usman Wamba, who claims to be the legitimate Katsina State Chairman of the ADC. Wamba approached the court to challenge what he described as attempts by rival party members to usurp his position and authority.

In a ruling delivered by Justice A. K. Tukur on April 7, 2026, the court restrained Lawan Batagarawa and Babangida Ibrahim Mahuta from presenting themselves as leaders or stakeholders of the ADC Katsina chapter. They were also prohibited from conducting any party activities or organising congresses until the motion on notice is fully heard and determined.

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The court further restrained the national leadership of the ADC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising, supervising, or participating in any congress organised by the defendants in Katsina State. Justice Tukur ordered all parties to maintain the status quo concerning leadership and activities of the party in the state.

Additionally, the court granted Wamba leave to serve the defendants outside Katsina State, including in Abuja, via courier. The substantive hearing of the motion has been scheduled for April 15, 2026.

ADC’s Katsina State legal adviser, Barrister Mustapha Shiru Mahuta, confirmed receipt of the court order, saying the party’s legal team was reviewing it and preparing for further actions.

The injunction comes amid a protracted leadership crisis within the ADC Katsina chapter, which has seen rival factions claiming legitimate authority ahead of congresses intended to position the party for the 2027 general elections. The court’s ruling effectively halts all planned congresses at ward, local government, and state levels in Katsina.

Political analysts note that the case highlights how internal party disputes can escalate into legal battles, disrupting organisational structures and delaying preparations for wider political engagement.

Court Stops ADC Congress, Orders Status Quo in Leadership Row