TDThe Federal High Court in Abuja has indefinitely adjourned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership suit involving former Senate President David Mark, after the plaintiff requested the case be reassigned to another judge.
Key Highlights of the Case
- Court: Federal High Court, Abuja
- Judge: Justice Emeka Nwite
- Date of Adjournment: May 8, 2026
- Case Number: FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025
- Plaintiff: Nafiu Bala Gombe, ADC chieftain
- Defendants: David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, and others
Why the Case Was Adjourned
The plaintiff’s counsel, Luka Musa Haruna, informed the court that a letter had been sent to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court on May 4, 2026, requesting reassignment of the case to another judge.
Justice Nwite ruled that the trial court could not act on the letter without hearing all parties.
Nwite stressed that doing so would breach the defendants’ rights.
As a result, the matter was adjourned sine die (indefinitely) to await the Chief Judge’s directive.
Legal Background
- The Supreme Court on April 30, 2026, dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by David Mark, ruling that the appeal lacked merit.
- The apex court also set aside the Court of Appeal’s earlier order that had stayed proceedings in the substantive suit.
- The plaintiff is seeking an order restraining Mark, Aregbesola, and others from parading themselves as ADC leaders.
He argued that their emergence violated the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
Defence Position
- Counsel for the defendants opposed the plaintiff’s transfer request, accusing him of:
- Ambushing the defence with the sudden application.
- Attempting to frustrate the accelerated hearing ordered by the Court of Appeal and upheld by the Supreme Court.
- Engaging in “forum shopping” and “judge shopping.”
- One defence lawyer described the plaintiff’s move as an invitation to “judicial rascality.”
Implications
The indefinite adjournment means the ADC leadership crisis remains unresolved, prolonging uncertainty within the party.
The case underscores ongoing internal disputes in ADC following the emergence of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola in its leadership structure.
The outcome could significantly shape the party’s role ahead of the 2027 general elections.
