ADC Tells State Chapters To Stop Hiring Lawyers Without Approval

The African Democratic Congress has told its state chapters to stop hiring lawyers or handling court papers for the party unless the national leadership gives written approval.

The directive means state executives, state legal advisers and other officials are not to receive court documents, appoint lawyers, file processes or take legal decisions in the party’s name on their own.

Daily Trust and Daily Post both reported that the instruction was issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, after the ADC said some court papers were being served on state chapters and some lawyers were being engaged without the knowledge of the National Legal Adviser.

The party said only the National Legal Adviser has authority to instruct lawyers or represent the ADC in court, tribunals, arbitration and other legal proceedings.

It also directed state chapters to forward any court process served on them to the National Legal Adviser at the party’s national headquarters. Where a court orders substituted service through a state chapter, the ADC said the papers should be sent electronically to the national legal office immediately.

The party warned that any chapter or official that ignores the directive may face disciplinary action under the ADC constitution.

The warning comes as parties prepare for the 2027 general elections, a period that is already drawing legal disputes over party control, candidates and internal decisions.

Sources: Daily Trust, Daily Post