ADC bars state chapters from handling court cases

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is tightening its grip on legal affairs, instructing all state chapters nationwide to halt the reception of court processes and the engagement of legal counsel without explicit authorization from the national leadership. This move signals a significant shift in how the party manages its legal matters.

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The attention of the African Democratic Congress has been drawn to reports that court processes relating to the party are being served on some state chapters of the party and that, in certain instances, legal practitioners have been engaged purportedly on behalf of the party without the knowledge, consent or authority of the National Legal Adviser.

The directive, issued via a public notice signed by National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, mandates that any court documents served on the party at the state level must be immediately forwarded to the National Legal Adviser at the party's headquarters in Abuja. This centralization aims to ensure all legal actions are coordinated and approved centrally.

The party cited reports of court processes being served on state chapters and lawyers being engaged without the knowledge or approval of its national legal office. The ADC constitution clearly states that only the National Legal Adviser is authorized to instruct lawyers or represent the party in any legal proceedings. This clarification reinforces the party's stance on maintaining strict control over its legal representation and actions.

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For the avoidance of doubt and in accordance with the Constitution of the African Democratic Congress, only the National Legal Adviser of the party is authorised to issue letters of instruction to any legal practitioner to represent, act for, or take steps on behalf of the party in any court, tribunal, arbitration, administrative proceeding or other legal process.

Consequently, all state executives, legal advisers, officers, and members are forbidden from receiving, acknowledging, or taking custody of any court process served at the state level. They are also barred from appointing lawyers or taking any legal steps on behalf of the ADC without written approval. This stringent measure comes as political parties face increasing litigation, particularly with the formation of an ADC-led opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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All state chapters, executive committee members, officers especially state legal advisers, members and representatives of the party are hereby directed not to receive, accept, acknowledge, or take custody of any court process purportedly served on the party at any state chapter, state secretariat, local office or through any state officer of the party.