The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated yesterday as the former presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, launched a blistering attack on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over its position that courts should not interfere in the internal affairs of political parties.

This followed ADC’s clarification that its decision to expel errant members was due to indiscipline, reiterating its commitment to accountability and the rule of law.

Kachikwu described the NBA’s interpretation of Section 83 of the Electoral Act 2026 as “misguided, legally flawed and dangerous to democracy,” warning that excluding judicial oversight could open the door to the illegal takeover of political parties.

The NBA had earlier cautioned against the growing trend of using courts for tactical political battles, insisting that the Electoral Act expressly bars courts from assuming jurisdiction over intra-party disputes and prohibits the granting of interim or interlocutory orders in such matters.

The association cited Section 83 of the Electoral Act 2026, which expressly bars courts from assuming jurisdiction over intra-party matters.

But reacting at a press briefing in Abuja, Kachikwu rejected the position, arguing that absolute non-interference by courts would legitimise “backdoor capture” of political institutions.

“If individuals, who are not members of a party, can come in and take over structures illegally, and the courts are told to look away, then we are inviting chaos into our democracy,” he said.

The ADC chieftain insisted that while political parties have internal mechanisms, the courts retain a constitutional duty to intervene where there are allegations of fraud, illegality or violation of party constitutions.

He maintained that the ongoing dispute within the ADC was not a routine internal disagreement but an attempt by

“outsiders” to hijack the party structure.

AMID the controversy, ADC announced the expulsion of many of its members following resolutions reached at its National Convention of April 14, 2026, in Abuja.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the decision was taken after the adoption of a disciplinary motion against members found to have acted contrary to its constitution and values.

It said the affected individuals ceased to be members of the party with immediate effect and were free to explore other political platforms.

“The affected individuals are Leke Abejide, Nafiu Bala Gombe, Kingsley Ogga, Don Obinna, Kennedy Odion, Clement Ehigiator, Mrs Stella Chukwuma, Patrick Ambut, Johny Derek, Duke Dick and Elias Adikwu. This decision followed the consideration and adoption of a motion on the discipline of errant members, duly presented and ratified by delegates at the convention under the leadership of the National Chairman, Senator David Mark.

“With this action, the affected individuals cease to be members of ADC with immediate effect. Consequently, they are now at liberty to explore other political platforms, and any political party that may wish to receive them is free to do so,” the statement reads.

Also, House of Representatives member representing Amuwo-Odofin Federal Constituency, George Adegeye, was expelled based on alleged anti-party activities, insubordination and usurpation of the party’s structures.

The expulsion letter, jointly signed by the ward Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Council Chapter, Ola Olajide; his Secretary, Faith Kelechi; and the Women Leader, Wisdom Ajogu and other executive members, after its Emergency General Meeting held in Ward B, Festac Town, Lagos, revealed that the party frowned on what it regarded as a clear affront on its constitutional provisions by the legislator.