Fresh cracks have emerged within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over the planned inauguration of state caretaker committees, with former Minister and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Director of the Mandate Protection Directorate of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Solomon Dalung, warning that the move could undermine the judiciary and damage the party’s chances of participating in the 2027 general election.

Dalung, in a post on his Facebook account on Wednesday, warned that Nigerians should not sympathise with the ADC or join it in crying foul, alleging mistreatment or injustice if the Supreme Court eventually rules against the party, insisting that any adverse outcome would be self-inflicted because of its own decision to proceed with the appointments despite the pending appeal.

Dalung condemned the purported appointment of caretaker committee chairmen for the 36 states by the party’s National Secretary, accusing the leadership of disregarding judicial processes while an appeal over the affected officials’ removal remains pending before the Supreme Court.

Although Dalung directed his criticism at the party leadership, his warning puts him at odds with the faction backing the appointments, led by the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola.

He said the party appeared not to have learnt from the series of litigations it has faced, noting that the appointments involved individuals who had been removed from their positions by courts of competent jurisdiction but were still challenging the decisions on appeal.

“As we talk, the matter is in the Supreme Court. Now the national secretary, in complete disregard to judicial process, proceeded to appoint persons who are defending their appeal at the Supreme Court,” he said.

Dalung argued that appointing the affected individuals as caretaker committee chairmen, despite their removal by the courts, affronted the judicial system and could compromise the integrity of the ongoing proceedings.

The former minister, who identified himself as a barrister and advocate of the Supreme Court, said he would not support any party action that could undermine the judicial process.

He urged the ADC leadership to suspend the planned inauguration of the committees scheduled for Thursday, warning that proceeding with it could have serious consequences for the party.

“The ADC cannot take an appeal to the Supreme Court challenging the decision of the Court of Appeal, which has affirmed the removal of these persons after the state congresses and national convention and turn around while their appeal is pending to invite the same persons and inaugurate them as chairmen of caretaker committees,” he said.

He warned that if the Supreme Court eventually ruled against the party, the ADC would be to blame for taking steps that could be seen as disregarding the court’s authority.

“If the Supreme Court so decides to the contrary, Nigerians should not listen to ADC crying blue murder. This will be self-inflicted injury,” he said.

Dalung also questioned the procedure used to issue the appointment letters, saying the party’s administrative protocol required both the national chairman and the national secretary to sign them.

He noted that the letters circulating on social media were signed only by the national secretary, and asked why the national chairman did not endorse appointments of individuals expected to manage the party’s affairs in the states.

He urged the party to withdraw the letters and maintain its appeal before the Supreme Court pending the case’s determination.He urged the party to withdraw the letters and maintain its appeal before the Supreme Court pending the case’s determination.

“Therefore, these letters flying all over should be withdrawn, and the party should maintain its position of appeal at the Supreme Court pending the outcome of the Supreme Court decision on the matter,” he said.

Dalung warned that the party could pay dearly for proceeding with the inauguration, insisting he had advised against the move and would not associate himself with any action that could undermine the courts.

I hope this advice will go into sane ears and caution will be taken, but as a lawyer I will never stand with the party to undermine the judicial process,” he said. (The Nation)