ADC appeals court judgment, warns INEC against pre-empting appeal
By KEMI KASUMU
It declared that the legal challenge would neither intimidate nor distract it from its political activities and commitment to Nigerians.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has appealed the November 5, 2026 judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja in the leadership dispute involving Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to refrain from taking any action that could pre-empt the Court of Appeal.
The party disclosed that it had formally filed an appeal and an application for a stay of execution pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, the party said it formally notified INEC of the pending legal processes on November 6, 2026.
It urged the electoral commission to exercise restraint and avoid taking any consequential steps on the subject matter until the appellate court has considered the case.
Shaibu warned that INEC must not act as though the appeal and application for a stay of execution did not exist, stressing that any action taken before the Court of Appeal determines the matter could undermine the judicial process.
“The commission must respect the judicial process and allow the appellate court to hear the case,” he said.
“We expect INEC to uphold the law and take full account of the pending proceedings before making any consequential decision.”
The ADC maintained that its application for a stay of execution remained pending and insisted that the commission should not take steps capable of prejudicing the outcome of the appeal.
The party also appealed to its members, supporters and Nigerians who believe in democracy to remain calm and steadfast, assuring them that it would explore every lawful avenue to protect its rights.
It declared that the legal challenge would neither intimidate nor distract it from its political activities and commitment to Nigerians.
“Our campaigns continue without interruption. There is no stopping the affordability train or our mission to make life better for Nigerians. We will keep taking our message to the people as we pursue every lawful avenue to defend our rights,” the statement added.
The ADC expressed confidence that the facts and legal arguments surrounding the dispute would receive a fair hearing, while calling for a democratic process that guarantees fairness to political parties and voters.
The party reaffirmed its determination to continue its campaigns and political engagements despite the ongoing court proceedings.
