Court Adjourns ADC Leadership Suit Indefinitely as Party Crisis Deepens

The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) took another dramatic turn on Friday after a Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned the suit challenging the party’s leadership indefinitely.

Philips News reports that the legal battle, which centers on the emergence of former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola in the party’s leadership structure, has continued to generate political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development has sparked fresh debates within Nigeria’s political landscape, with many observers questioning the future stability of the ADC as internal disputes continue to escalate.

Federal High Court Adjourns Case Indefinitely

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned the matter sine die, meaning indefinitely, after the plaintiff informed the court that an application had been filed requesting that the case be reassigned to another judge.

The suit was instituted by ADC chieftain Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is challenging the legitimacy of the current leadership arrangement within the party. According to court proceedings, Gombe’s legal team argued that the emergence of David Mark and other leaders violated the ADC constitution and provisions of Nigeria’s Electoral Act.

During the hearing, counsel to the plaintiff, Luka Musa Haruna (SAN), informed the court that the Supreme Court had earlier dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by David Mark against the proceedings. He also disclosed that a formal letter had been sent to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court seeking reassignment of the matter to another judge.

He said the apex court also set aside the Court of Appeal’s order staying proceedings in the substantive suit.

“The interlocutory appeal of the second defendant has travelled to the Supreme Court. My Lord, we are glad to inform this honourable court that on the 30th day of April 2026, the Supreme Court delivered its judgment on the interlocutory appeal dismissing the said appeal for lacking in merit,” he said.

The lawyer, however, disclosed that the plaintiff had written a letter dated May 4, 2026 to the Chief Judge seeking reassignment of the case to another judge.

Haruna urged Justice Nwite to await the administrative decision of the Chief Judge on the request.

“At this juncture, we must humbly pray to your Lordship, to wait for the administrative decision of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court,” Haruna said.

Defendants Oppose Transfer Request

Lawyers representing the defendants strongly opposed the request for reassignment, accusing the plaintiff of attempting to frustrate the accelerated hearing already ordered by higher courts.

Counsel for the first defendant argued that the legal team had not received any official communication regarding the transfer application and described the move as an “ambush.” Another defence lawyer allegedly described the request as “forum shopping and judge shopping,” warning that it could create a dangerous legal precedent.

Counsel for the first defendant, Realwan Okpanachi, faulted the plaintiff for allegedly ambushing the defence with the transfer request.

“We have not received any communication regarding that application. My Lord, so as it is, we don’t know the form or the content of that application. Therefore, we take the approach of the plaintiff as an ambush,” he said.

The court eventually ruled that no action could be taken on the request without hearing all parties involved in the matter. Justice Nwite stated that since the letter was directed to the Chief Judge, the trial court could not make pronouncements on it at that stage.

“We also consider it as an attempt to frustrate the order of accelerated hearing granted by the Court of Appeal and upheld by the Supreme Court,” he added.

Counsel for the second defendant, Sulaiman Usman, described the move as “forum shopping and judge shopping.”

“So my Lord, for the plaintiffs to come back to this court, and to inform us today that they have written a private correspondence to the Honourable Chief Judge, and to hinge that to make a request for this court to await the outcome of that private correspondence, is not only unfortunate My Lord, but a dangerous trend which must not be allowed to stand,” he said.

Counsel for the fifth defendant, P.I. Oyewole, also opposed the request, describing it as “strange” and accusing the plaintiff of inviting the Chief Judge “to indulge in judicial rascality.”

Ruling, Justice Nwite held that the court could not take any action on the letter without hearing all parties.

“Taking a decision or any action in such a letter without hearing from the defendants will amount to breach of their fundamental right in this suit,” the judge ruled.

He added that since the letter was addressed to the Chief Judge, the trial court could not make any pronouncement on it.

The judge subsequently ordered an indefinite adjournment to allow parties to properly file certified copies of the Supreme Court judgment and await directives from the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.

“This matter is best adjourned sine die to afford the parties properly file a Certified True Copy of the judgment of the Supreme Court in the interlocutory appeal in the suit, to serve the defendants with the letter addressed to the Honourable Chief Judge, and finally to await further or any directive from the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court,” Justice Nwite said.

ADC Leadership Crisis Intensifies

The legal battle has exposed deeper divisions within the ADC, especially following the growing influence of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola within the opposition party.

Political analysts believe the crisis could affect the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections, particularly as opposition parties seek stronger alliances against the ruling government. The uncertainty surrounding the party’s leadership structure has already triggered concerns among party loyalists and stakeholders.

In a related development, former University of Calabar Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Zana Akpagu, recently resigned from the ADC, citing unresolved court cases and legal uncertainties within the party.

Akpagu reportedly said the lingering disputes and internal instability influenced his decision to leave the party after consultations with political associates and supporters.

Supreme Court’s Role in the Dispute

The case has already passed through multiple judicial stages, including proceedings at the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

Reports indicate that the Supreme Court dismissed an earlier interlocutory appeal connected to the matter and lifted an order staying proceedings in the substantive suit.

Legal experts say the apex court’s involvement highlights the seriousness of the dispute and its potential implications for internal democracy within political parties in Nigeria.

The latest adjournment means the uncertainty surrounding the ADC leadership may continue for several more weeks or months, depending on administrative decisions from the judiciary.

Political Implications Ahead of 2027

With Nigeria’s political atmosphere gradually shifting toward the 2027 elections, the ADC crisis could significantly impact coalition talks and opposition strategies.

The party has recently attracted several influential political figures, increasing expectations that it could emerge as a stronger opposition platform. However, the ongoing legal battle threatens to weaken internal unity and public confidence.

Analysts warn that prolonged litigation may discourage new entrants and weaken the party’s grassroots mobilisation efforts nationwide.

Despite the crisis, supporters of David Mark maintain that the current leadership remains legitimate and capable of repositioning the party for future elections.

Meanwhile, PhilipsNews reports that the indefinite adjournment of the ADC leadership suit marks another major twist in the political crisis surrounding the party. As legal battles continue and internal divisions widen, uncertainty remains over the future leadership structure of the ADC.

With the Supreme Court already involved and more judicial decisions expected, political observers will closely monitor how the dispute unfolds in the coming months.

For now, the ADC faces mounting pressure to resolve its internal conflicts and restore stability ahead of Nigeria’s next electoral cycle.