The Federal High Court in Abuja today adjourned a suit challenging the emergence of the party’s interim leadership led by former Senate President, David Mark, to June 8 for hearing.
Justice Peter Lifu adjourned the matter after counsel to the plaintiff, Robert Emukpoeruo (SAN), sought more 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 challenging the legality of the party’s current leadership structure, reports The Guardian.
At the resumed proceedings, only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the parties seeking joinder were absent. While the court confirmed that INEC had been served with hearing notices, those seeking to join the case had not 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, stressing that issues involving them had already featured in earlier proceedings before the former trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite.
Emukpoeruo, in response, reminded the court that both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court had directed that the matter be heard expeditiously.
He, however, 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, defence counsel accused the plaintiff of contributing to delays in the matter through an earlier application seeking the reassignment of the case when it was before Justice Nwite, an action they said undermined the apex court’s directive for accelerated hearing.
Justice Lifu, however, maintained that litigants have no right to choose the judge who hears their cases. He stated 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 accepted responsibility for the failure to serve hearing notices on the parties seeking joinder and ordered 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 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 party’s interim National Working Committee from acting as ADC leaders.
The plaintiff contends that their emergence violated provisions of the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act
The suit lists the ADC, David Mark, Aregbesola, INEC and Ralph Nwosu as defendants.
The case comes amid deepening 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.
