Kenneth Okonkwo Dismisses Suit Against ADC Leadership as Lacking in Merit
Prominent lawyer and spokesperson of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has dismissed the ongoing legal challenge filed by former Senate President David Mark and other interim leaders of the party, describing it as a baseless and politically motivated attempt to disrupt the party’s progress.
In a recent media interview, Okonkwo argued that the suit, which alleges violations of the ADC constitution by the current leadership, holds no legal weight. He emphasized that the Supreme Court has consistently ruled that issues concerning the internal leadership of political parties fall outside the jurisdiction of the courts.
“The Supreme Court is very clear that the issue of the leadership of a political party is an internal affair and not justiciable. There is no jurisdiction of the courts to interfere in the leadership of the ADC,” he stated.
Okonkwo criticized the legal arguments presented by the plaintiffs, describing them as lacking in depth and clarity. “I’m sorry to say—low intelligence, low IQ. I couldn’t even see the provisions of the ADC constitution they referred to,” he remarked, adding that Article 9 of the party’s constitution cited by the plaintiffs deals with members’ rights and obligations, not leadership disputes.
He further explained that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ADC has the constitutional authority to waive certain eligibility requirements for contesting elections, countering claims that procedures were violated.
Referring to a previous media interview with ADC chieftain Dumebi Kachikwu, Okonkwo questioned the legitimacy of those disputing the current leadership. “Kachikwu himself admitted Mosu is the chairman. When asked who else could be chairman if Mosu isn’t, he said nobody,” Okonkwo noted.
He concluded by underscoring that no viable alternative leadership has been presented by the challengers. “Can there be any party where there is a vacuum in leadership? Who is even claiming to be the chairman? Nobody. No alternate chairman,” he said.
Okonkwo insisted that the ongoing court action is a distraction, triggered by political fear, especially as ADC gains traction as a potential alternative to the ruling party.
