The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the hearing of a lawsuit challenging the interim leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which is currently led by former Senate President David Mark, to June 8.
Justice Peter Lifu granted the adjournment after the plaintiff’s counsel, Robert Emukpoeruo, requested additional time due to the absence of lawyers for parties seeking to join the case.
The suit, filed by Nafiu-Bala Gombe, questions the legitimacy of the party’s current leadership structure.
During Wednesday’s session, only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the parties seeking joinder were absent. The court noted that INEC had received hearing notices, but those seeking joinder had not been served.
ADC’s lawyer, Shaibu Aruwa, asked the court to allow the interested parties to present reasons for joining the case, pointing out that issues concerning them had arisen in earlier proceedings before Justice Emeka Nwite.
Emukpoeruo countered by reminding the court that both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court had ordered an expedited hearing. However, he sought a brief adjournment to file and serve all necessary documents for a fair hearing.
Lawyers representing David Mark, former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu did not oppose the request.
Defense lawyers accused the plaintiff of causing delays by seeking to reassign the case when it was before Justice Nwite, contrary to the Supreme Court’s directive for an accelerated hearing.
Justice Lifu rejected this argument, stating that parties cannot choose their judge. He emphasized his duty to ensure justice, having been assigned the case by the Chief Judge and guided by the Supreme Court’s instructions.
The judge took 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.
Gombe is seeking a court order to bar David Mark, Aregbesola, and members of the ADC’s interim National Working Committee from acting as party leaders, arguing that their emergence violated the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
Defendants in the case include the ADC, David Mark, Aregbesola, INEC, and Ralph Nwosu.