Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday adjourned until June 8 the hearing of a suit challenging the emergence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) interim leadership headed by former Senate President David Mark.
Gatekeepers News reports that Justice Peter Lifu postponed the matter after counsel to the plaintiff, Robert Emukpoeruo (SAN), requested more time due to the absence of lawyers representing parties seeking to be joined in the suit.
The case was filed by 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 hearing, only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the parties seeking joinder were absent. The court noted that while INEC had been served with hearing notices, those 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 relating to them had already arisen during earlier proceedings before the former trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite.
In response, Emukpoeruo reminded the court that both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court had directed that the case be heard expeditiously. He nevertheless sought an adjournment to enable all pending 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 through an earlier application seeking the reassignment of the case when it was before Justice Nwite. They argued that the move ran contrary to the Supreme Court’s directive for an accelerated hearing.
Justice Lifu, however, stated that litigants do not have the right to choose the judge who hears their case. He said that having been assigned the matter by the Chief Judge and guided by the Supreme Court’s directive, he was obligated to ensure justice was served.
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 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 ADC’s interim National Working Committee from acting as leaders of the party.
The plaintiff argues that their emergence violated provisions of the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act. The ADC, David Mark, Aregbesola, INEC and Ralph Nwosu are listed as defendants in the case.
The legal dispute comes amid growing divisions within the ADC 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.
