Dumebi Kachikwu, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (African Democratic Congress), has stated that neither David Mark nor Nafiu Bala has a legitimate claim to the leadership of the party amid the ongoing internal dispute.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Kachikwu reacted to the Supreme Court’s decision directing both the Mark-led faction and the Bala group to return to the Federal High Court for continuation of hearings on the leadership tussle.
The Supreme Court had earlier set aside an order of the Court of Appeal that instructed all parties to maintain the status quo, instead allowing the lower court to continue with the substantive determination of the case.
According to Kachikwu, the ruling does not confer legitimacy on any faction, but simply ensures that the dispute is properly resolved by the trial court.
He described the situation as one where both sides are still laying claim to control of the party without lawful authority being established.
Kachikwu compared the dispute to two parties claiming ownership of a disputed asset, arguing that neither faction has proven rightful control of the party structure.
He also maintained that the Supreme Court did not direct the Independent National Electoral Commission (Independent National Electoral Commission) to recognise the Mark-led leadership.
The former presidential candidate further referenced a Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, which affirmed that existing state executive committees of the party remain valid and should continue their constitutional duties without interference.
The ruling also held that state executive committees are responsible for conducting state congresses, and that attempts to replace them with alternative structures were unconstitutional.
Kachikwu argued that the court’s position further weakens the legitimacy of both rival factions, insisting that neither side has lawful authority over the party.
He concluded that the ongoing leadership struggle remains unresolved and subject to final determination by the courts.
