The Federal High Court in Abuja has indefinitely adjourned the leadership suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe challenging the leadership structure of the African Democratic Congress under former Senate President David Mark.
Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the matter sine die after the plaintiff informed the court that an application had been submitted to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court seeking the transfer of the case to another judge.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, has intensified the leadership crisis within the ADC following the emergence of David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola in the party’s leadership structure.
During proceedings, counsel to the plaintiff, Luka Musa Haruna, informed the court that the Supreme Court of Nigeriahad dismissed an interlocutory appeal earlier filed by David Mark and also set aside the Court of Appeal’s order staying proceedings in the substantive suit.
Lawyers representing the defendants opposed the request for reassignment, accusing the plaintiff of attempting to frustrate the accelerated hearing earlier ordered by the appellate courts.
Justice Nwite ruled that the court could not take any action on the transfer request without hearing from all parties involved, stressing that doing otherwise could breach the defendants’ fundamental rights.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter indefinitely pending further directives from the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.
Gombe is seeking an order restraining David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, and others from presenting themselves as ADC leaders, arguing that their emergence violated the party’s constitution and provisions of the Electoral Act.
