By Wasila Abdullahi, Kaduna
The High Court of Justice, Kaduna State, Kaduna Judicial Division, has issued a far-reaching interim injunction affirming the lawful leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Kaduna State Chapter, while restraining Elder Patrick D. Ambut and Victor Oluwatuyi from parading themselves as Chairman and Secretary of the party.
This was disclosed in a press statement by the State Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Engr. Idris Musa, and made available to journalists.
Presiding Judge, Hon. Justice A. Y. John, gave the order in Suit No. KDB/KAD/1734/2025, following an ex-parte motion filed by Hon. Ahmed Tijjani Mustapha and eleven other duly recognized members of the State Executive Committee.
The ruling, according to the party, underscores the court’s commitment to protecting internal democracy and ensuring the proper functioning of the ADC in Kaduna State.
Key highlights of the court’s order include:
Immediate cessation of disputed leadership: Elder Patrick D. Ambut and Victor Oluwatuyi are restrained from presenting themselves or acting as Chairman and Secretary of the ADC Kaduna State Chapter.
Protection of party operations: Both individuals are barred from running or attempting to run the affairs of the party.
Preservation of the Secretariat: The court prohibits the relocation of the ADC State Secretariat from its established address at No. 11 Katsina Road, opposite the Kaduna State Pilgrims Board.
Non-recognition by ADC and INEC: The African Democratic Congress and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are expressly restrained from recognizing or dealing with Ambut and Oluwatuyi in the disputed positions.
According to the statement, the judicial pronouncement reinforces the principle that due process and legitimate authority must prevail within political parties.
It also safeguards the mandate of the authentic State Executive Committee as the ADC continues its political and organizational activities in Kaduna.
The claimants welcomed the ruling, describing it as “a victory for justice and internal democracy within the ADC.”
The Committee emphasized that the judgment highlights the crucial role of the judiciary in resolving internal disputes and protecting party structures from unauthorized interference.
The ADC Kaduna leadership urged all parties, particularly Ambut and Oluwatuyi, to comply fully and immediately with the court’s directives.
“Respect for judicial orders is fundamental to the rule of law and the preservation of peace and order,” the statement warned, adding that any attempt to violate the injunction would be considered an affront to democratic governance.
The case has been adjourned to December 17, 2025, for hearing of the substantive application.
The legitimate State Executive Committee reiterated its commitment to upholding the ADC Constitution and promoting transparent, democratic leadership for the benefit of party members and the people of Kaduna State.
