A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed June 8 for hearing a case challenging the appointment of the interim leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), headed by former Senate President David Mark.
Justice Peter Lifu adjourned the matter after the plaintiff’s lawyer, Robert Emukpoeruo, requested more time due to the absence of lawyers representing parties seeking to join the case.
The lawsuit was filed by Nafiu-Bala Gombe, who is contesting the legality of the party’s current leadership arrangement.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and parties seeking to join the case were absent. The court confirmed that INEC had received hearing notices, while those seeking the joinder had not yet been served.
Counsel for the ADC, Shaibu Aruwa, urged the court to allow the interested parties to explain why they should be included in the case. He noted that issues involving them had already arisen in earlier proceedings before the former trial judge, Emeka Nwite.
In response, Emukpoeruo reminded the court that both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court had ordered that the matter be handled expeditiously. However, he requested a short adjournment to allow all pending documents to be filed and served, ensuring a fair hearing.
Lawyers representing David Mark, former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu did not object to the request.
Defence lawyers also accused the plaintiff of contributing to delays through an earlier application seeking the reassignment of the case when it was before Justice Nwite. They argued that the move went against the Supreme Court’s directive for an accelerated hearing.
Justice Lifu disagreed, stating that parties in a case do not have the right to choose which judge hears their matter.
He said he was obligated to ensure justice after being assigned the case by the Chief Judge and guided by the Supreme Court’s instructions.
The judge accepted 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.
In the suit, Gombe is seeking a court order preventing David Mark, Aregbesola and members of the party’s interim National Working Committee from acting as ADC leaders. He argues that their emergence breached provisions of the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
The defendants in the case include the ADC, David Mark, Aregbesola, INEC and Ralph Nwosu.
