In a landmark decision affirming the sanctity of internal party democracy and the rule of law, a Kaduna State High Court has granted a comprehensive interim injunction restraining Elder Patrick Ambut and Victor Oluwatuyi from parading themselves as, or functioning as, the state chapter’s Chairman and Secretary respectively of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
According to a statement by the party’s state Publicity Secretary, Engr. Idris Musa, Justice A. Y. John issued the order following an ex-parte motion filed by Hon. Ahmed Tijjani Mustapha and 11 other members of the State Executive Committee of the party.
The court’s decisive order include Cessation of Disputed Leadership: Elder Patrick D. Ambut and Victor Oluwatuyi are immediately restrained from presenting themselves as, or exercising the duties of, the Chairman and Secretary of the ADC Kaduna State Chapter.
Protection of Party Affairs Both individuals are barred from running or attempting to run the affairs of the ADC Kaduna State Chapter. Preservation of Secretariat.
The court explicitly prohibits any relocation or attempt to relocate the party secretariat from its established address at No. 11 Katsina Road, opposite Kaduna State Pilgrims Board, Kaduna State.
It restrained ADC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or dealing with Ambut and Oluwatuyi as Chairman and Secretary of the party’s state branch.
The claimants/applicants expressed profound gratitude for the court’s swift intervention. ‘Today’s ruling is a triumph for justice and internal democracy within the ADC’, a member of the state executive committee said.
‘It underscores the judiciary’s vital role in resolving disputes and ensuring that the will of the party members is respected and the party’s structures are protected’.
‘We therefore call on all parties involved, most especially Elder Patrick D. Ambut and Victor Oluwatuyi, to immediately and fully comply with the High Court’s order’.
The matter has been adjourned to 17 December 2025 for the hearing of the substantive application.
