The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has applauded a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja concerning party primaries and election timelines, calling the judgment a confirmation of its earlier reservations about certain provisions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines.
In a news release from its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, issued in Abuja, the party stated that the court’s decision backed its argument that parts of the electoral framework violated constitutional rights, especially regarding deadlines for membership registration and the organization of party primaries.
The ADC noted that the ruling also addressed objections it had previously raised over restrictions it believed could curb political participation and aspirants’ freedom of association.
“The court’s decision on these matters, including those that openly clash with the constitution, is therefore a welcome affirmation of our position,” the statement read.
The party further contended that the ruling effectively dismantled obstacles that might have stopped politicians from switching parties before elections, insisting that such limitations were meant to discourage defections from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“We believed at the time that particular restriction was designed to prevent people from leaving the ruling party, APC,” the statement added.
According to the ADC, this development will enhance democratic participation and create room for politicians unhappy with their current parties to seek alternative platforms.
The party also expressed confidence that the judgment could prompt a wave of defections from the APC in the near future, as the political landscape becomes more dynamic heading into the next election cycle.