By Kazeem Waris
National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, has declared that no individual or group is above the party’s constitution, insisting that political leadership must emerge through lawful and constitutionally recognised procedures.
Gombe spoke in reaction to the Federal High Court judgment in the leadership dispute involving him, the ADC and four others, describing the ruling as a victory for internal democracy, constitutional supremacy and the rule of law.
The judgment, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, has dealt a major blow to the Mark-led leadership, with the court setting aside the processes that produced the party’s executive and the presidential nomination of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. The ADC has rejected the ruling and indicated it would appeal.
In a statement, Gombe commended the trial judge for what he described as an independent, impartial and courageous handling of the politically sensitive case.
“With profound respect for the Bench, and with a deep sense of duty to the administration of justice in Nigeria, I most respectfully commend the Federal High Court and the trial Judge for the independent, impartial, and intellectually rigorous manner in which His Lordship handled and determined the above-referenced matter,” he said.
He said the judgment raised fundamental questions about party autonomy, internal democracy, constitutional supremacy and the regulatory responsibilities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“By subjecting the question of leadership emergence to constitutional and statutory scrutiny, rather than to political expediency, His Lordship affirmed a foundational principle of Nigerian jurisprudence: political parties are not above their own constitutions, and the Electoral Act is not a mere suggestion,” he stated.
Gombe insisted that courts had a responsibility to intervene whenever political parties disregarded their own rules and established procedures.
“Where a party’s constitution prescribes a procedure for succession and leadership, that procedure must be obeyed. Where a political party fails to comply with the rules, procedures, and constitutional provisions laid down for its own governance, the court is duty-bound to intervene in order to safeguard democracy, uphold the rule of law, and prevent anarchy.
“No man is above the law, and no man is below it,” he declared.
The ADC chairman described the ruling as significant beyond the immediate leadership struggle, arguing that it demonstrated the importance of judicial independence in resolving politically sensitive disputes.
He said the decision should reassure party members that grievances arising from leadership contests could be addressed through lawful channels rather than self-help.
“It restores public confidence that a judge can still decide on the law and the facts alone, uninfluenced by political pressure, media commentary, or the weight of personalities involved in the suit.
“It affirms that leadership must emerge through lawful process, not through imposition, and that aggrieved members have a legitimate right to seek redress in court rather than resort to self-help. It reassures ordinary Nigerians that the court remains the last hope of the common man, and indeed, of every man,” he added.
Gombe also commended the judge for demonstrating patience, erudition and firmness throughout the proceedings, while appreciating his legal team for its diligence.
He thanked supporters across the country for their solidarity and prayers, urging political parties to respect their constitutions and ensure that leadership emerges through due process.
