Court Affirms Legitimate Leadership of ADC Kaduna, Says Publicity Secretary

By Wasila Abdullahi, Kaduna

In a landmark decision affirming the sanctity of internal party democracy and the rule of law, the High Court of Justice of Kaduna State, Kaduna Judicial Division, has granted a Comprehensive interim injunction restraining Elder Patrick D. Ambut and Victor Oluwatuyi from parading themselves as, or functioning as, the Chairman and Secretary respectively of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Kaduna State Chapter.

This was contained in a press statement by Engineer Idris Musa, State Publicity Secretary, African Democratic Congress (ADC) Kaduna State and made available to newsmen.

The Honourable Justice A. Y. John, presiding over the case (KDB/KAD/1734/2025), issued the order following an ex-parte motion filed by Hon. Ahmed Tijjani Mustapha and eleven other legitimate members of the State Executive Committee of the ADC Kaduna State Chapter. The ruling serves as a crucial intervention to safeguard the integrity and proper functioning of the Party in the State.

The Court’s decisive order include Cessation of Disputed Leadership: Elder Patrick D. Ambut and Victor Oluwatuyi are immediately restrained from presenting themselves as, or exercising the duties of, the Chairman and Secretary of the ADC Kaduna State Chapter.

Protection of Party Affairs Both individuals are barred from running or attempting to run the affairs of the ADC Kaduna State Chapter. Preservation of Secretariat.

The court explicitly prohibits any relocation or attempt to relocate the Party’s Secretariat from its established address at No. 11 Katsina Road, opposite Kaduna State Pilgrims Board, Kaduna State.

Non-Recognition by Key Bodies Significantly, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) itself and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are explicitly restrained from recognizing or dealing with Elder Patrick D. Ambut and Victor Oluwatuyi in their disputed Capacities as Chairman and Secretary.

This judicial pronouncement sends a clear and unambiguous message due process and legitimate authority must be upheld within political organizations. The decision protects the true mandate of the Party’s Executive Committee and ensures stability as the Party continues its work in Kaduna State.

The Claimants/Applicants expressed profound gratitude for the Court’s swift and just intervention. “Today’s ruling is a triumph for justice and internal democracy within the ADC,” stated a representative of the legitimate State Executive Committee.

“It underscores the judiciary’s vital role in resolving disputes and ensuring that the will of the Party’s Members is respected and the Party’s Structures are protected.”

We therefore call on all Parties involved, most especially Elder Patrick D. Ambut and Victor Oluwatuyi, to immediately and fully comply with the High Court’s order.

Respect for judicial pronouncements is fundamental to our democratic system and the maintenance of peace and order. Any attempt to circumvent or disregard this injunction will be viewed as an affront to the rule of law and the integrity of our political process.

The matter has been adjourned to December 17, 2025, for the hearing of the substantive application. The legitimate State Executive Committee of the ADC Kaduna State Chapter remains committed to upholding the party’s Constitution and ensuring transparent, democratic governance for the benefit of its Members and the people of Kaduna State.