ADC appeals court judgment, urges INEC against pre-empting Court of Appeal

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has appealed the Federal High Court judgment delivered in Abuja on November 5, 2026, in a suit involving Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe and the party, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to take any action that could pre-empt the Court of Appeal.

In a statement signed by Frank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication, ADC Presidential Campaign Council, the party disclosed that it had filed an application for a stay of execution pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.

In a statement on Friday, signed by the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, the party said it formally notified INEC of the appeal and stay application on November 6, urging the commission to refrain from taking further action on the subject matter while the legal proceedings remain pending.

Shaibu said the application for a stay of execution had yet to be determined, insisting that INEC must exercise restraint and avoid taking steps that could undermine the appellate process.

He urged the commission not to act as though the appeal and stay application did not exist, warning that any consequential decision taken before the Court of Appeal considers the matter could pre-empt the judicial process.

“The commission must respect the judicial process and allow the appellate court to hear the case,” he said.

The ADC maintained that it was exercising its lawful right to challenge the judgment before a higher court, adding that the legal process should be allowed to run its course.

“We expect INEC to uphold the law and take full account of the pending proceedings before making any consequential decision,” Shaibu said.

The party also appealed to its members, supporters and Nigerians who believe in democracy to remain calm and steadfast, assuring them that it would pursue every lawful avenue to defend its rights.

According to the statement, the party would not be intimidated or distracted by the legal challenge, stressing that its commitment to Nigerians and their right to choose remained firm.

The ADC further declared that its political activities and campaigns would continue without interruption despite the court proceedings.

“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 party expressed confidence that the facts and legal arguments surrounding the dispute would receive a full hearing, pledging to continue pursuing the matter through the courts.

It also called for a democratic process in which political parties and voters are treated fairly.