Court Postpones Hearing on ADC Interim Leadership Challenge to June 8

A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled a hearing for June 8 to consider a lawsuit that challenges the appointment of the interim leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), headed by former Senate President David Mark.

Justice Peter Lifu adjourned the case after the plaintiff’s lawyer, Robert Emukpoeruo, asked for additional time. The request was made because lawyers representing parties that wish to join the suit were not yet present.

The action was brought by Nafiu‑Bala Gombe, who contests the legality of the party’s current leadership arrangement.

During Wednesday’s proceedings, only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the parties seeking to join the case were absent. The court confirmed that INEC had received hearing notices, while the joinder parties had not yet been served.

ADC counsel Shaibu Aruwa urged the court to allow the interested parties to explain why they should be included. He noted that matters involving them had already arisen in earlier proceedings before the former trial judge, Emeka Nwite.

Emukpoeruo reminded the court that both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court had ordered that the matter be handled expeditiously. He requested a brief adjournment to allow all pending documents to be filed and served, ensuring a fair hearing.

Lawyers for David Mark, former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu did not object to the request.

Defense counsel also accused the plaintiff of contributing to delays by filing an earlier application that sought the reassignment of the case when it was before Justice Nwite. They argued that the move ran counter to the Supreme Court’s directive for an accelerated hearing.

Justice Lifu disagreed, stating that parties in a case do not have the right to choose which judge hears their matter. He said he was obligated to ensure justice after being assigned the case by the Chief Judge and guided by the Supreme Court’s instructions.

The judge accepted responsibility for the failure to serve hearing notices on those seeking joinder and ordered the court bailiff to complete 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 documents before the next hearing date.

In the suit, Gombe seeks a court order preventing David Mark, Aregbesola and members of the party’s interim National Working Committee from acting as ADC leaders. He argues that their emergence breached provisions of the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.

The defendants in the case include the ADC, David Mark, Aregbesola, INEC and Ralph Nwosu.