The Campaign for Dignity in Governance has called on Nigerians and political stakeholders to separate the facts of the Federal High Court judgment on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership crisis from political interpretations and emotional reactions.
The Convener of the organisation, Razaq Olokoba, said the judgment delivered on November 5, 2026, in the case of Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe v. African Democratic Congress & Others, should be understood and discussed within the framework of the law.
Olokoba stressed that court cases are determined by evidence, facts and applicable legal principles, not by political loyalty or public sentiment.
“Court cases are determined on their facts and circumstances, not on sentiments. The ADC judgment is the law of the land. It is not political, and it is not a matter of emotion,” he said.
The group noted that the suit was instituted by Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe in September 2025, following a dispute over the emergence and recognition of the party’s national leadership after the 99th National Executive Committee meeting held on July 29, 2025.
According to the account of the proceedings, the dispute passed through several stages of litigation, including appeals to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, before the substantive matter proceeded at the Federal High Court.
The Campaign for Dignity in Governance observed that the Supreme Court had directed that the outstanding issues be determined by the Federal High Court, with an accelerated hearing. It said the history of the case makes it important for public commentators to consider the full judicial process rather than portray the judgment as a sudden political intervention.
Olokoba said the court’s findings on the disputed NEC meeting, the party’s leadership structure and the recognition of the relevant officers must be considered in line with the actual orders made by the court.
He maintained that any party dissatisfied with the judgment is entitled to pursue the available legal remedies, but that political disagreement cannot replace or invalidate the judicial process.
The group further stated that political parties must take their internal constitutional procedures seriously, particularly when electing officers and selecting candidates for public elections. It said compliance with party constitutions and electoral laws is essential to credible democratic participation.
The Campaign for Dignity in Governance urged Nigerians to avoid misinformation and inflammatory commentary, adding that respect for the judiciary must remain a shared responsibility regardless of political affiliation.
Olokoba reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to the rule of law, democratic accountability and responsible public engagement, stressing that no political ambition should be placed above the law.
Signed:
Razaq Olokoba
Convener
Campaign for Dignity in Governance
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