From Tom Garba, Yola
A High Court sitting in Yola has issued an interim order restraining the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from proceeding with its planned state congress in Adamawa, escalating the ongoing leadership tussle within the party in former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s home state.
In a ruling delivered on Thursday, April 10, 2026, Hon. Justice Kyanson S. Lawanson of the High Court of Justice, Adamawa State, Yola Judicial Division, granted the ex-parte motion filed by applicant Isreal Ishaku against respondents including Hon. Barr. Sadiq Ibrahim Dasin, the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC), and Brig. Gen. (Barr.) Ishaya Bauka (Rtd) (Suit No: HC/ADSY/64/2026).
The court restrained the 2nd and 3rd respondents, particularly from conducting the Adamawa State Congress of the 2nd respondent aimed at electing a new State Chairman, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive application on fundamental human rights.
Justice Lawanson ordered that an interim injunction be maintained to preserve the status quo, emphasizing the merit of the application after a careful review of the supporting affidavit, exhibits, and written address filed on April 10, 2026. The substantive matter has been adjourned to Tuesday, April 17, 2026, for hearing.
The order specifically bars the respondents from taking further steps that could alter the current leadership structure or proceed with the election of a new Adamawa State Chairman for the ADC until the court resolves the dispute.
This development comes amid reported factional tensions in the ADC in Adamawa, with reports indicating multiple groups vying for control of the party structure.
The congress had been scheduled for around April 9–10, 2026, but the court intervention has now paused those activities.
Legal observers note that the ruling invokes provisions under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, allowing the court to grant such interim reliefs in appropriate ex-parte applications to prevent irreparable harm.
The certified true copy of the order, signed and dated by the court, bears the stamp and signature of Hon. Justice Kyanson Samuel Lawanson, with certification by court officials.
As the political atmosphere in Adamawa heats up ahead of future elections, stakeholders are watching closely to see how the factions will respond to the court’s directive to maintain the status quo. The outcome of the April 17 hearing could significantly shape the future leadership of the ADC in the state.
This is a developing story.
