The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has adjourned to June 8, 2026, the hearing of a suit filed by former National Deputy Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Nafiu Bala Gombe, challenging the leadership structure of the party under Senator David Mark.
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Justice Peter Lifu fixed the new date after counsel to the plaintiff, Robert Emukpoeruo, SAN, asked for more time due to the absence of lawyers representing parties seeking to be joined in the matter.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, seeks to restrain Senator David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola and other members of the ADC caretaker leadership from parading themselves as leaders of the party.
Gombe is alleging that their emergence as leaders of the ADC violated the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
The matter was previously before Justice Emeka Nwite before it was reassigned to Justice Lifu after Justice Nwite was listed among judges recommended for elevation to the Court of Appeal.
During the proceedings, counsel to the ADC, Shaibu Aruwa, SAN, told the court that Justice Nwite had earlier considered applications filed by interested parties seeking to be joined in the suit.
He urged the court to allow the parties seeking joinder to explain their interest in the case in the interest of fairness and justice.
However, counsel to the plaintiff reminded the court that the Supreme Court had directed that the matter be heard expeditiously.
He urged the court to ensure that all parties complete the filing of their processes before the substantive hearing commences.
Lawyers representing the David Mark-led ADC faction, Rauf Aregbesola and Ralph Nwosu did not oppose the request for adjournment.
In his ruling, Justice Lifu said no litigant has the right to choose the judge who will hear his case.
He said the court would proceed in line with the directive of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and the order of the Supreme Court for accelerated hearing.
Justice Lifu also noted lapses in the service of court processes on the parties seeking to be joined and ordered the court bailiff to serve them within 24 hours.
He further directed all parties to complete the filing of their processes before the next adjourned date.
The leadership dispute comes amid deepening crisis within the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar recently emerged as presidential candidate of the David Mark-led faction of the party, while another faction produced Dumebi Kachikwu as its presidential candidate.
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