Background of the ADC Primary Dispute in Rivers State
Legborsi Nwiabu, an aspirant for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Khana Constituency I, Rivers State, approached the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt after alleging he was unlawfully barred from participating in the party’s primary election.
Parties Involved in the Lawsuit
The suit names the ADC’s declared candidate for the constituency, Bright Nulee, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as co‑defendants alongside the party itself.
Court Proceedings and Settlement Attempt
When the matter was heard on Friday, ADC counsel Emenike Ebete told the judge that the party had set up a committee to resolve the primary‑election dispute and sought permission for an out‑of‑court settlement.
Counsel for the second and third defendants did not oppose the request, but plaintiff’s counsel Felix Beragbara objected, stating his client had not been informed of any such committee.
Judge’s Ruling
Justice Muhammed Turaki granted leave for the parties to pursue an amicable settlement and adjourned the case until 12 August 2026, directing that a report on the reconciliation process be filed, or the substantive suit be heard if settlement fails.
Plaintiff’s Allegations
Beragbara explained that Nwiabu had exhausted all internal party remedies before turning to the courts. He claimed the primary, originally set for 21 May 2026, was postponed to 22 May without proper conduct, leaving agents and supporters waiting at voting centres across the eleven wards of Khana Constituency I with no election officials present.
The aspirant further alleged that after the failed election he petitioned the party’s appeals committee for a fresh primary, which was ignored. Instead, the party declared Bright Nulee as its candidate and forwarded his name to INEC, prompting the legal challenge.
Nwiabu remains willing to return to court should the reconciliation effort not produce a satisfactory outcome.
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