The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed April 14 for the hearing of a suit challenging the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), currently led by former Senate President David Mark.
The suit was filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking an order restraining Mark and other party officials from presenting themselves as the party’s leadership.
Justice Emeka Nwite set the date after hearing notices were issued to all parties involved in the case.
The defendants in the matter include the ADC, Mark, former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and former ADC chairman Ralph Nwosu.
The case had previously been adjourned indefinitely pending the outcome of an appeal. However, the Court of Appeal directed that the matter return to the trial court for continuation while maintaining the status quo.
Following that ruling, INEC reportedly removed the names of Mark and Aregbesola from its portal as party leaders.
The Mark-led faction has since filed a motion seeking to compel INEC to restore their names, while also requesting accelerated hearing of the case.
In response, Mark and Aregbesola have asked the court to dismiss the suit, arguing lack of jurisdiction and claiming the matter concerns internal party affairs.
Aregbesola also urged the court to impose ₦50 million in costs against the plaintiff, describing the case as frivolous, while other defendants maintained that internal dispute resolution mechanisms were not fully exhausted before the suit was filed.
