A High Court in Katsina State has ordered the immediate suspension of all activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state, pending the determination of a substantive suit scheduled for April 15, 2026.
The order was issued on Tuesday by A. K. Tukur following an ex parte application filed by the state party chairman, Usman Wamba.
Named as defendants in the suit are Lawan Batagarawa, Babangida Ibrahim Mahuta, the party’s national leadership, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In his ruling, Justice Tukur granted an interim injunction restraining the first and second defendants, along with their agents or associates, from presenting themselves as stakeholders of the party in Katsina State or carrying out any party-related activities.
The court further barred the ADC’s national leadership and INEC from recognising, supervising, or participating in any congress organised by the defendants in relation to the Katsina chapter. All parties were directed to maintain the status quo, effectively halting all actions linked to the disputed congress until the motion on notice is heard.
Additionally, the court granted permission for legal documents to be served on the defendants outside its jurisdiction, particularly in Abuja, through a courier service acting as a special bailiff.
The case stems from a leadership dispute within the Katsina chapter of the party, with the plaintiff alleging that the defendants were attempting to usurp his authority as state chairman.
Before the court’s intervention, the ADC in Katsina had begun preparations for its congresses ahead of the party’s national convention slated for April 14, 2026. The process was expected to start at the polling unit level on April 9 and progress through wards, local government areas, and the state.
At an earlier stakeholders’ meeting, party leader Mustapha Inuwa said the consultations were intended to promote consensus while allowing interested members to contest positions, urging members to remain peaceful and united. He also criticised the administration of Bola Tinubu, blaming it for worsening economic conditions in Northern Nigeria, including rising costs of goods, challenges faced by farmers and traders, and persistent insecurity affecting livelihoods and education.
What you should know
A Katsina High Court has suspended all ADC activities in the state due to a leadership dispute, stopping planned congresses ahead of the party’s national convention.
The ruling restrains key individuals and bars INEC from recognising any faction until the case is heard on April 15, 2026.