ADC prohibits state chapters from receiving court processes, engaging lawyers

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a firm directive to all its state chapters and officials nationwide, mandating the immediate forwarding of any court processes served on the party to the national legal adviser. The party emphasized that neither state chapters nor individual officials possess the constitutional authority to accept court documents or hire legal representatives without explicit prior written consent from the national leadership.

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Only the national legal adviser is authorised to issue letters of instruction to any legal practitioner representing the party in any legal proceeding.

This move comes in response to recent reports of unauthorized legal actions involving the ADC. The party has received information indicating that court documents related to the ADC are being served on state chapters across the country. In some instances, legal practitioners were allegedly engaged on behalf of the party without the knowledge or approval of the national legal adviser, a situation the party deems unacceptable.

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The prohibits state chapters, state legal advisers, executive committee members and other officials from engaging counsel, filing processes or representing the party legally without approval.

According to the ADC's National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party's constitution clearly designates the national legal adviser as the sole authority to instruct legal practitioners representing the ADC. He reiterated that any court process served on a state chapter or officer would not be considered valid service on the party. All such documents must be promptly sent to the national legal adviser at the party's headquarters in Abuja for appropriate action. Electronic transmission is also required for processes served through substituted means.

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No state chapter, state legal adviser or state-level officer has authority to engage counsel or represent the party without express written authority.

The party leadership expects strict adherence to this directive, warning that any unauthorized handling of court processes may lead to disciplinary measures. State chapters are urged to circulate this directive to all relevant officers and members to ensure immediate and full compliance.

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The leadership of the party expects strict compliance with this directive. Any unauthorised handling of court processes may attract disciplinary measures.