THE Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday adjourned a suit challenging the emergence of the interim leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by former Senate President, David Mark, to June 8 for hearing.
News Point Nigeria reports that Justice Peter Lifu fixed the new date after counsel to the plaintiff, Robert Emukpoeruo (SAN), requested additional time following the absence of lawyers representing parties seeking to be joined in the suit.
The case was instituted by Mr. Nafiu-Bala Gombe, a former deputy national chairman of the ADC, who is contesting the legality of the party’s current leadership structure.
At the resumed proceedings, only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and parties seeking joinder were absent. While the court confirmed that INEC had been served with hearing notices, the parties seeking to join the case had not yet been served.
Counsel to the ADC, Shaibu Aruwa (SAN), urged the court to allow the interested parties an opportunity to explain why they should be joined in the matter. He argued that issues concerning them had already featured in earlier proceedings before the former trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite.
Responding, Emukpoeruo reminded the court that both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court had directed that the matter be heard expeditiously.
He nevertheless sought an adjournment to enable all pending court processes to be filed and served in the interest of fair hearing.
Lawyers representing David Mark, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu did not oppose the application.
During proceedings, defence counsel accused the plaintiff of contributing to delays in the case through an earlier application seeking the reassignment of the matter when it was before Justice Nwite. They argued that the move undermined the directive of the apex court for accelerated hearing.
Justice Lifu, however, maintained that litigants do not have the right to choose the judge who hears their cases. He stressed that, having been assigned the matter by the Chief Judge and guided by the Supreme Court’s directive, he was duty-bound to ensure justice was done.
The judge also accepted responsibility for the failure to serve hearing notices on the parties seeking joinder and directed the court bailiff to effect service within 24 hours.
“In the circumstances of this case and the overall interest of justice and in compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, this case is hereby given accelerated hearing,” Justice Lifu ruled.
He further directed all parties to file and exchange their court processes before the next adjourned date.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, Gombe is seeking an order restraining David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola and members of the party’s interim National Working Committee from acting as leaders of the ADC.
The plaintiff contends that their emergence violated provisions of the party’s constitution as well as the Electoral Act.
Those listed as defendants in the suit include the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission and Ralph Nwosu.
The legal battle comes amid deepening divisions within the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general election, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and businessman-politician Dumebi Kachikwu emerging as presidential candidates from rival factions of the party.