By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday adjourned a suit challenging the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) until June 30. Justice Peter Lifu postponed the hearing after counsel to former Senate President David Mark failed to appear. Nafiu-Bala Gombe filed the suit to stop David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, and members of the interim National Working Committee (NWC) from presenting themselves as leaders of the party.
Why the Hearing Did Not Proceed
When the case came up for hearing, lawyers representing all parties appeared in court except Suleiman Usman (SAN), counsel to David Mark.
Following consultations among lawyers, Justice Lifu stood down the matter for 15 minutes to allow Usman to arrive and address the court. Meanwhile, the judge proceeded to hear another case.
However, after concluding the other matter, the court suspended proceedings and later rose without hearing the suit. The judge subsequently directed all parties to obtain a fresh hearing date.
Plaintiff Challenges Interim ADC Leadership
Nafiu-Bala Gombe joined the ADC, David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu as defendants in the suit.
Gombe argues that the appointment of David Mark, Aregbesola, and other interim NWC members violates both the ADC constitution and the Electoral Act.
Consequently, he seeks a court order restraining them from acting or presenting themselves as leaders of the party.
Previous Attempts to Remove the Judge Failed
Earlier, the ADC and Aregbesola asked Justice Lifu to withdraw from the case. They alleged bias in his handling of the matter.
However, on June 16, the judge dismissed the applications and ruled that both requests lacked merit.
As a result, the court imposed a fine of N1 million each on the ADC and Aregbesola, payable to the plaintiff.
Background to the ADC Leadership Dispute
The leadership dispute began after former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu stepped aside. His exit paved the way for the emergence of a new interim leadership led by David Mark.
Nevertheless, the development triggered internal disagreements within the party. Some members questioned the process that produced the interim leadership.
The court will now continue hearing all pending applications when the matter resumes on June 30.
