Senator Aishatu Ahmed Binani, a prominent governorship aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State, has strongly condemned the state, local government, and ward congresses held in defiance of a court order suspending the exercise. The congresses, conducted over the weekend, were carried out despite a directive from the High Court in Yola to halt the process. Binani addressed a gathering of supporters from all 21 local government areas at Lamido Cinema in Yola on Monday, expressing concerns over the legitimacy of the electoral process.
The High Court had issued the suspension order following a suit filed by the state chairman of the ADC, Yohanna Shehu. Shehu alleged that he and his executive committee were completely excluded from the planning and coordination of the congresses, raising serious questions about the party’s internal democracy. The court’s directive emphasized that all parties must maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit, with further proceedings adjourned to Wednesday, April 15.
Binani, speaking after several supporters shared their views at the rally, urged calm and patience among her followers. She stressed that any next steps would depend on the final court ruling. “If the court eventually decides that the conduct of the congresses is okay despite the order suspending them, we should accept it,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of adhering to judicial decisions.
The ADC Congress Committee proceeded with the congresses despite the legal injunction, a move that has sparked internal tension within the party. Binani’s supporters have voiced concerns about the fairness of the process, particularly given the exclusion of the state chairman and his team from key decision-making roles. The situation has raised broader questions about party governance and adherence to legal procedures in political processes.
As the court prepares to resume hearings on April 15, all eyes are on the judiciary to resolve the dispute and restore order within the ADC. The outcome will determine whether the results of the congresses are upheld or annulled, and whether the party can move forward with a unified structure. For now, Binani’s call for restraint and legal compliance remains central to the discourse within the party.
The controversy underscores the challenges facing political parties in Nigeria as they navigate internal elections amid legal and procedural complexities. The ADC’s situation in Adamawa State serves as a reminder of the need for transparency, inclusivity, and respect for judicial authority in party affairs. What happens next could set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled across other political parties nationwide.
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