{
  "id": 19764721,
  "title": "ADC has spent more time in court than campaigning – Spokesman",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/adc-has-spent-more-time-in-court-than-campaigning-spokesman",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-13T06:12:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/adc-has-spent-more-time-in-court-than-campaigning-spokesman/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reportedly spent more time in courtrooms than on campaign grounds since its formation in 2025, according to the party's National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi. During an interview on Arise Television, Abdullahi stated that the party's legal battles have been a significant obstacle, claiming they have spent more time in courts than campaigning or building their structures. Despite these challenges, Abdullahi maintains that the party has progressed and is now a formidable opposition platform. He attributes this progress to the fact that, three years ago, nobody would have anticipated the ADC's current standing in the political landscape. Abdullahi also accused the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) of using legal challenges to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections. The ADC alleges that the legal hurdles are part of the APC's strategy to ensure that President Bola Tinubu is the only viable candidate in the upcoming election. However, both the APC and the presidency have consistently denied any involvement in the party's legal issues. Abdullahi emphasized that the ADC followed the necessary procedures before joining the coalition and questioned why the party continued to face obstacles. The party is currently grappling with a leadership crisis, with a faction led by former Senate President David Mark opposing the caretaker leadership headed by former Deputy National Chairman Nafiu Gombe. This dispute was further exacerbated by the Federal High Court's ruling in favor of Bala, who assumed leadership following Ralph Nwosu's resignation, declaring the Mark-led caretaker committee's emergence illegal.",
  "summary": "The African Democratic Congress says it has spent more time in court than campaigning, alleging the ruling APC is trying to weaken the opposition before 20 Read More: https://punchng.com/adc-has-spent-more-time-in-court-than-campaigning-spokesman/",
  "key_points": [
    "ADC spent more time in courts than campaigning since 2025.",
    "National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi reported legal battles as significant obstacle.",
    "APC accused of using legal challenges to weaken opposition ahead of 2027 elections."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Persistent litigation and internal leadership disputes are draining the party's resources, transforming what should be a political mobilization effort into a defensive struggle for institutional survival.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "2027: We've spent more time in court than campaign - ADC cries out",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/2027-weve-spent-more-time-in-court-than-campaign-adc-cries-out",
        "published": "2026-11-13T05:53:28.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}