Northern Democrats Caution ADC on Convention Amid PDP's Accord Party Considerations

Dr. Umar Ardo, identified as a promoter of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) and the League of Northern Democrats, has urged the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to refrain from proceeding with its scheduled national convention this week. He cautioned that the ADC risks facing similar challenges to those encountered by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Concurrently, reports indicate that key figures within the PDP are exploring the Accord Party as a potential fallback option for their presidential hopefuls to pursue their electoral ambitions.

Ardo articulated that the ADC could incur judicial sanctions for allegedly defying a court order. This order reportedly stipulated that no actions should be taken that might prejudice a legal dispute involving affected factions, which is currently before the Federal High Court.

He maintained that the registration of the ADA is not a lost cause, as its registration dispute remains under judicial review.

In a conversation with THISDAY, Ardo suggested that had the ADC's leadership supported the registration of an alternative political entity like the ADA earlier, the party might not be in its current predicament.

"While I am not a member of the ADC, I believe proceeding with the planned congresses and convention would contravene the Court of Appeal's directive. My view is that it would compromise the ongoing suit at the Federal High Court," Ardo stated.

He added, "The David Mark-led executive is central to this legal matter. It is in their best interest and that of Nigeria not to proceed."

Ardo warned that failing to adhere to the court's directive would be falling into a trap set by the current administration, suggesting that the rule of law would not be favourable to the party. He advised them to learn from the PDP's past missteps in Ibadan.

He expressed regret that the ADC appeared to be falling into this legal pitfall due to a lack of planning for a secondary alternative.

Ardo elaborated that if the ADC leadership had not directed all ADA members to join the ADC, this could have served as a viable alternative given the prevailing circumstances.

When reminded that the ADA is not yet a registered political party, Ardo responded, "We are actively engaged in legal proceedings, and there is a strong possibility that the court will mandate the registration of the ADA, much like it has done for other political parties. The ADA will be no exception."

Sources within the PDP have revealed a growing sentiment that if the Supreme Court does not adjudicate the appeal filed by the Tanimu Turaki-led faction before the presidential election registration deadline, the PDP might seek an alternative political party that aligns with its political ideology.

One of these sources, who requested anonymity due to not being authorised to speak publicly, stated, "We have a secondary option. This alternative is the Accord Party. Historically, the Accord Party has collaborated with the PDP in similar situations."

"Every political stakeholder in the PDP understands that the Accord Party has previously supported the PDP on several occasions. We are looking forward to leveraging that existing relationship with the Accord Party," the source added.

By Chuks Okocha