African Democratic Congress Centralizes Legal Control Over State Chapters

The African Democratic Congress issued a directive on July 7-8, 2026, prohibiting its state chapters and officials from receiving court processes or engaging legal practitioners without written approval from the national leadership. The party mandated that all legal documents served on state offices be forwarded immediately to the National Legal Adviser at the headquarters in Abuja.

National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi announced the measure following reports that some state chapters had hired lawyers and accepted court documents without the knowledge or consent of the national headquarters. The party stated that such actions violate its constitution and create legal complications. Under ADC rules, only the National Legal Adviser is authorized to instruct legal practitioners for representation in courts, tribunals, arbitration, or administrative proceedings.

The party further declared that any service of court processes on state chapters or officers will not be treated as valid service on the organization. The ADC warned that officials who disregard this directive may face disciplinary sanctions. This centralization of legal authority occurs as the party leads an opposition coalition preparing for the 2027 general elections.