Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has scheduled June 3 for hearing in a suit filed by Nafiu-Bala Gombe challenging the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Gombe is seeking a court order restraining David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, and members of their interim National Working Committee (NWC) from presenting themselves as leaders of the party.
The matter was reassigned to Justice Lifu after its initial handling by Justice Emeka Nwite, who was recently elevated to the Court of Appeal following recommendations by the National Judicial Council.
According to reports, hearing notices have been issued to all parties involved in the case.
Gombe, a former deputy national chairman of ADC, argues that the emergence of Mark, Aregbesola and other members of the NWC violated both the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act. The defendants in the suit include the ADC, Mark, Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and former party chairman Ralph Nwosu.
Earlier, Justice Nwite had adjourned the case indefinitely on April 14 to await a ruling from the Supreme Court on a related appeal filed by Mark. However, the apex court later nullified a Court of Appeal order that had directed parties to maintain the status quo in the leadership dispute.
The Supreme Court subsequently ordered all parties to return to the Federal High Court for an accelerated hearing of the matter. Following the ruling, INEC restored the recognition of the Mark-led leadership on its official platform.
At a resumed sitting on May 8, Gombe’s counsel requested that the case be transferred to another judge, a move strongly opposed by lawyers representing the ADC, Mark, Aregbesola and Nwosu. They described the application as “forum shopping” and an attempt to delay proceedings.
The defence team maintained confidence in the impartiality of the court and argued that proper proceedings could not continue without a certified true copy of the Supreme Court judgment. The court subsequently adjourned the matter indefinitely until the document was obtained.
Meanwhile, the leadership crisis within the ADC continues to deepen, with parallel factions producing different presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
At one faction’s convention, Atiku Abubakar emerged as presidential candidate after defeating other aspirants, including Rotimi Amaechi. In contrast, another faction produced Dumebi Kachikwu as its candidate, further highlighting divisions within the party.
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