Screenshot
The Northern Women Congress has called for respect for the Federal High Court judgment concerning the leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the decision as a reminder that the rule of law must remain central to Nigeria’s democratic development.
The President of the organisation, AWAKULU GALADIMA, said the judgment in Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe v. African Democratic Congress & Others should be considered on the basis of the legal issues, evidence and findings presented before the court, rather than political sentiments or the interests of individual stakeholders.
Galadima said the organisation was concerned that prolonged leadership disputes within political parties could weaken public confidence in democratic institutions and discourage citizens, particularly women and young people, from participating meaningfully in politics.
She noted that the suit, instituted in September 2025, challenged the legality of the ADC’s leadership structure following the party’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting of July 29, 2025.
According to the account of the proceedings, the dispute involved questions about the party’s constitutional succession arrangements, the emergence of its national officers and the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission in recognising party leadership structures.
The Northern Women Congress said the eventual judgment of November 5, 2026, should encourage political organisations to take their constitutional responsibilities seriously and ensure that leadership decisions are made through recognised democratic procedures.
Galadima stressed that women and other underrepresented groups need political institutions where fairness, transparency and accountability are respected.
She said internal party democracy is not merely an administrative issue but a foundation for inclusive political participation. When party procedures are ignored or disputes are allowed to persist, ordinary members may lose confidence in the system and become discouraged from seeking leadership opportunities.
The organisation urged political leaders to avoid inflammatory statements and allow the judicial process to take its course. It also acknowledged that parties dissatisfied with the judgment retain the right to pursue the appropriate appellate process.
Galadima maintained, however, that the right to appeal should be exercised within the law and should not become an excuse for disregarding judicial authority.
She further called on political parties to strengthen their internal dispute-resolution mechanisms, promote women’s participation in decision-making and ensure that members are treated fairly regardless of their political influence or position.
The Northern Women Congress said Nigeria needs political institutions that are guided by established rules rather than personal interests, adding that respect for the judiciary is essential to building a stable and credible democracy.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to women’s political participation, democratic accountability and the rule of law, urging all stakeholders to put the country’s democratic stability above partisan considerations.
Signed:
AWAKULU GALADIMA
President
Northern Women Congress
About the Author
