The Yoruba Radical Assembly has described the Federal High Court judgment on the leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a significant reminder that political parties must operate within the boundaries of their constitutions and the laws of Nigeria.
The organisation said the dispute between Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe and the ADC should not be reduced to a political contest between individuals or factions, noting that the central questions before the court concerned the legality of the party’s leadership process and compliance with the applicable electoral framework.
In a statement, the Secretary General of the Yoruba Radical Assembly, Omolola Olukayode, said the judgment delivered on November 5, 2026, reinforces the importance of internal democracy, due process and institutional accountability.
Olukayode observed that the case originated from the controversy surrounding the ADC’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting of July 29, 2025, following the resignation of members of the party’s National Working Committee earlier that month.
She said the dispute highlights why political parties must follow clearly established procedures when vacancies arise in their leadership structures.
According to her, party leadership cannot be determined solely by political influence, popularity or the interests of powerful stakeholders. Every political organisation must respect its own constitution and comply with the laws regulating its activities.
The group noted that the matter had gone through several stages of judicial proceedings, including consideration by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, before the Federal High Court proceeded to determine the substantive issues.
Olukayode urged political stakeholders to read the judgment carefully and distinguish the court’s actual findings from partisan interpretations circulating in the public space.
She also cautioned against presenting the judgment as an attack on any political personality or faction, stressing that judicial decisions should be evaluated on their legal merits.
The Yoruba Radical Assembly maintained that the right to appeal remains available to any dissatisfied party, but insisted that the existence of an appeal process does not justify the politicisation of judicial proceedings or disregard for court orders.
The organisation further called on political parties across the country to strengthen their internal dispute-resolution mechanisms, ensure transparent leadership transitions and avoid procedural shortcuts that could undermine their credibility.
It said the ADC experience should encourage political organisations to resolve internal disagreements through lawful and democratic channels before they escalate into prolonged litigation.
The Yoruba Radical Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional democracy, accountability and the rule of law, urging political leaders to place the integrity of democratic institutions above personal and partisan interests.
Signed:
Omolola Olukayode
Secretary General
Yoruba Radical Assembly
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