LAGOS: A Federal High Court in Lagos has struck out a suit filed by Princess Abiodun Oyefusi challenging the outcome of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship primary that produced Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour as the party’s candidate for the 2027 Lagos State governorship election.
The development was disclosed by Rhodes-Vivour in a post on X on Friday night.
According to the ADC governorship candidate, the court relied on the legal position concerning disputes over the internal affairs of political parties and held that the issues raised in Oyefusi’s case fell within the internal domain of the ADC.
The case was subsequently struck out.
How the ADC Primary Dispute Started
The legal battle followed the ADC’s Lagos governorship primary conducted in May 2026, where Rhodes-Vivour emerged as the party’s candidate.
Oyefusi challenged the outcome, alleging that votes recorded in her favour were improperly transferred to Rhodes-Vivour during the collation process.
Her legal representatives subsequently approached the Federal High Court seeking redress over what they described as irregularities surrounding the primary.
Reports from the time quoted Oyefusi’s lawyers as alleging that she secured the highest number of valid votes during the primary but that the results were subsequently altered. Those claims were part of the dispute brought before the court and were not established as facts in the reports.
Electoral Act 2026 and Political Party Disputes
The court development comes against the backdrop of provisions contained in Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2026.
Section 83(5) of the Act provides that, subject to the relevant provisions of the section, no Nigerian court shall entertain jurisdiction over a suit or matter pertaining to the internal affairs of a political party.
The law also provides specific consequences where an action is brought in violation of the provision, including restrictions on interim or interlocutory injunctions and financial costs that may be imposed at the conclusion of proceedings.
The provision has generated legal debate, with lawyers and civil society groups questioning aspects of its scope and constitutionality. The Nigerian Bar Association, meanwhile, has raised concerns about litigation involving internal party affairs and the interpretation of Section 83.
Rhodes-Vivour Calls for ADC Unity
Reacting to the court’s decision, Rhodes-Vivour called on ADC members to unite and focus on the party’s preparations for the 2027 Lagos governorship election.
He argued that continued litigation over the primary could distract the party from its political objectives.
“Our focus is on delivering a Lagos that works for all and to salvage our Lagos from cronyism, corruption and ineptitude,” Rhodes-Vivour said.
He further urged members of the party to work together, adding that the ADC should concentrate on its political objectives ahead of the 2027 election.
Dragging cases in court, quite frankly, is unnecessary and distracting,” he said.
The latest court development adds another chapter to the dispute surrounding the ADC’s Lagos governorship primary as political parties continue preparations for the 2027 elections.
