The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday adjourned until June 8 a suit challenging the emergence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) interim leadership headed by former Senate President David Mark.
Justice Peter Lifu granted the adjournment after counsel to the plaintiff, Robert Emukpoeruo, requested additional time because lawyers representing parties seeking to join the suit were absent from the proceedings.
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 confirmed that INEC had been served with hearing notices, while those seeking to join the suit had not yet been served.
Counsel to the ADC, Shaibu Aruwa, urged the court to allow the interested parties an opportunity to explain why they should be joined in the matter, noting that issues concerning them had featured in 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 matter be heard expeditiously. He nevertheless requested an adjournment to ensure all pending processes were 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, defense counsel accused the plaintiff of contributing to delays through an earlier application seeking the reassignment of the case when it was before Justice Nwite, arguing that the move undermined the Supreme Court’s directive for an accelerated hearing.
Justice Lifu, however, said litigants do not have the right to choose the judge assigned to hear their cases. He stated 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 done.
The judge 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,” Lifu said.
He also directed all parties to file and exchange their processes before the next hearing date.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, Gombe is seeking an order restraining Mark, Aregbesola and members of the party’s interim National Working Committee from acting as ADC leaders. He argues that their emergence violated provisions of the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
The ADC, Mark, Aregbesola, INEC and Nwosu are listed as defendants in the suit.
The case 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.
