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 Justice A. K. Tukur following an ex parte application filed by the state party chairman, Usman Wamba. The suit names Lawan Batagarawa, Babangida Ibrahim Mahuta, the ADC national leadership, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants.
Justice Tukur granted an interim injunction restraining the first and second defendants, their agents, or associates from parading themselves as stakeholders of the party in Katsina State or conducting any party activities. The court also barred the ADC national leadership and INEC from recognising, supervising, or participating in any congress organised by the defendants concerning the Katsina chapter of the party.
The judge directed all parties to maintain the status quo, effectively suspending all actions related to the disputed congress until the motion on notice is heard. The court also allowed for service of court processes on the defendants outside its jurisdiction, particularly in Abuja, via courier acting as a special bailiff.
The suit arises from a leadership dispute within the Katsina State chapter of the ADC, with the plaintiff alleging that the defendants attempted to usurp his authority as state chairman.
Before the court order, the Katsina State chapter had begun preparations for congresses ahead of the party’s national convention scheduled for April 14, 2026. The congresses were planned to start at the polling unit level on April 9 and progress through wards, local government areas, and the state.
At a stakeholders’ meeting, party leader Mustapha Inuwa said the consultations were meant to foster consensus while allowing members to contest for positions. Inuwa also criticised the administration of President 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 education and livelihoods.
