The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed June 8 for hearing in a suit challenging the emergence of the interim leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President, David Mark.
Justice Peter Lifu adjourned the matter on Wednesday following a request by counsel to the plaintiff, Robert Emukpoeruo (SAN), who sought more time due to the absence of lawyers representing parties seeking to be joined in the suit.
The case was instituted 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 proceedings, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and parties seeking joinder were absent. While the court confirmed that INEC had been served with hearing notices, the parties seeking to join the matter 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 suit, noting that issues concerning them had featured in earlier proceedings before the former trial judge.
Emukpoeruo, however, 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 allow all pending processes to be filed and served.
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 reassignment of the case when it was before another judge.
Justice Lifu maintained that litigants do not have the right to choose the judge who hears their cases, adding that he was duty-bound to ensure justice was done in line with directives from the appellate courts.
The judge also accepted responsibility for the failure to serve hearing notices on parties seeking joinder and ordered the court bailiff to effect service within 24 hours.
He subsequently granted an accelerated hearing and directed all parties to file and exchange their processes before the next adjourned date.
In the suit, Gombe is seeking an order restraining David Mark, Aregbesola and members of the party’s interim National Working Committee from acting as leaders of the ADC, arguing that their emergence violated provisions of the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
The case comes amid growing divisions within the ADC ahead of the 2027 general election.
