JUST IN: ADC Appeals Court Judgment, Urges INEC to Halt Further Action
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has filed an appeal against the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja over the party’s leadership dispute involving Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to refrain from taking further action on the matter pending the determination of the appeal.
The judgment was delivered on November 5, 2026, in favour of Gombe, who instituted the suit against the ADC and four other defendants.
Dissatisfied with the ruling, the party approached the Court of Appeal to challenge the decision. It also filed an application before the Federal High Court seeking a stay of execution of the judgment pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.
In a letter dated November 6, 2026, addressed to the INEC Chairman, the party’s legal representatives, S. E. Aruwa, SAN & Co., formally notified the commission of the appeal and the application for a stay of execution.
The letter, signed by Shaibu Enejo Aruwa, SAN, and received at INEC’s office on November 6, urged the commission to suspend further action on the subject matter of the suit until the appellate court determines the case.
The lawyers explained that although the Notice of Appeal and Motion on Notice for Stay of Execution had been filed, the application for a stay was yet to be considered by the Federal High Court.
“In view of the foregoing, we enjoined the Commission to stay further action on the subject matter of the suit pending the hearing and determination of the appeal now pending at the Court of Appeal,” the letter stated.
The development was also announced in a statement issued on Friday, November 6, by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Media and Strategic Communications of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.
Shaibu said the party had formally communicated its legal position to INEC, urging the electoral body to exercise caution and avoid actions that could affect the matter while it remained before the court.
The party also called on INEC to respect the judicial process and allow the Court of Appeal to hear and determine the dispute without taking steps that could prejudice the proceedings.
Despite the legal challenge, the ADC assured its members and supporters that it would explore all available legal options to protect its rights, urging them to remain calm and steadfast.
The party further maintained that the judgment would not derail its political activities or preparations for the 2027 general elections.
It said it remained committed to presenting its political agenda to Nigerians, particularly its proposed policies aimed at reducing the cost of living and improving the welfare of citizens.
The ADC expressed confidence in the judicial process, saying it would continue to pursue justice through lawful means.