George Ogunjimi Esq of Juris Republic
The Jurisprudence of African Democratic Congress Party vs Others.
Accountability, Cause of Action, and the Limits of Legal Authority
.To initiate a court case, there must be a valid reason—legally known as a cause of action. This arises when one party commits a legal wrong against another, or when a dispute exists that the court has the authority to resolve.
A demurrer is a procedural objection in civil law that challenges the legal sufficiency of a complaint. It accepts the alleged facts as true but argues that those facts do not establish a valid legal claim. In effect, it asserts: even if everything stated is accurate, there is no lawful basis for the case to proceed.
Such objections may take different forms. A general demurrer challenges the substance of the claim itself, while a special demurrer addresses defects in how the claim is presented. If successful, the court may dismiss the case or allow the complaint to be amended. In many jurisdictions, demurrers have been replaced by motions to dismiss, which serve a similar function.
When those entrusted with applying the law fail to do so in accordance with its written form, they depart from the very structure that grants them authority. The separation of powers was established to ensure accountability, not to shield misconduct.
When judges fail in their duty—particularly in clear or repeated ways—and when legislative bodies neglect their responsibility to hold those judges accountable, the result is not impartial justice but tolerated injustice. Such failures can appear as favoritism toward unlawful conduct, undermining the principle that all are equal before the law.
Each failure to uphold the law may be viewed as a distinct breach of duty. Those entrusted with authority are not exempt from accountability; their power exists only through the framework of law and the consent of the governed.
When that framework is disregarded, public trust erodes. The legitimacy of authority depends on adherence to the law as written and the consistent application of justice. No office or position removes the obligation to act within those bounds.
The people confer authority through lawful processes, and those elected or appointed are compensated to fulfill defined responsibilities. That authority is not transferable, nor can it be assumed outside the structures that grant it.
Accountability remains essential. Without it, the foundation of lawful order—and the principle of equal justice—begins to break down.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is experiencing significant internal legal wrangles, leadership disputes, and operational chaos, which stakeholders fear may affect its credibility ahead of 2027
Core Legal and Leadership Disputes:
Leadership Factions: The party is facing severe internal friction, characterized by parallel congresses and disputes over national leadership, with a faction led by David Mark recently rejecting INEC’s interpretation of a court of appeal ruling regarding the party’s leadership.
Court Challenges: The position of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as the National Secretary has been challenged in court.
State-Level Conflicts: In Adamawa State, a struggle for influence between political figures has led to tensions over the recognition of different individuals as the state acting chairman.
Convention and Operational Chaos:
National Convention Disruptions: The ADC’s national convention was marred by confusion and what was described as “parallel slaps” among delegates, highlighting deep-rooted, long-standing disputes.
Venue Issues: The party had to relocate its convention amid accusations of “administrative bottlenecks” and potential government interference regarding the use of public venues like Eagle Square.
Allegations of External Interference
Witch-hunting Accusations: The ADC has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and INEC of acting under pressure to orchestrate a one-party state, aimed at destroying opposition parties, including the ADC.
Ongoing Legal Actions
Substituted Service: Courts have recently ruled on matters concerning the service of process to national leaders of the ADC, specifically requiring personal service for certain defendants in the dispute.
The party’s leadership, which includes figures such as David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, is struggling to unify the party amid these ongoing challenges.
The party has ultimately laid legal mines for itself by not availing itself proper legal protection from the pitfalls it faces.
George Ogunjimi Esq
Juris Republic
jurisrepubliclegal@gmail.com
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