ADC Crisis: Court Fixes June 3 for Hearing on David Mark’s Leadership

The leadership dispute rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set to return to the courtroom on June 3 as the Federal High Court in Abuja resumes hearing in a suit challenging the emergence of former Senate President David Mark as national chairman of the party.

Justice Peter Lifu of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court fixed the date after the matter was reassigned to his court following the elevation of the previous trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, to the Court of Appeal.

Hearing notices have been issued and served on counsel representing the parties in the suit, which was filed by former ADC National Deputy Chairman, Nafiu-Bala Gombe.

In the case, Gombe is seeking an order restraining Mark, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and members of the party’s interim National Working Committee from presenting themselves as leaders of the ADC.

The plaintiff argues that the process that produced the current leadership contravened provisions of the party’s constitution as well as relevant sections of the Electoral Act.

Joined as defendants in the suit are the ADC, David Mark, Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and former national chairman of the party, Ralph Nwosu.

The dispute stems from the leadership transition that saw Nwosu step aside for the Mark-led interim leadership, a development that has continued to generate controversy within sections of the party.

The case had suffered delays after Justice Nwite adjourned proceedings indefinitely on April 14 following a request by the plaintiff to await the outcome of an appeal before the Supreme Court.

However, the legal landscape shifted on April 30 when the Supreme Court set aside an earlier Court of Appeal order directing parties to maintain the status quo in the ADC leadership dispute.

The apex court subsequently ordered an accelerated hearing of the substantive suit at the Federal High Court, paving the way for the matter to return to active consideration.

Following the judgment, INEC reversed its earlier action and restored the Mark-led leadership on its official portal.

When the case came up on May 8, counsel to Gombe, Luka Haruna (SAN), requested that the matter be transferred to another judge, informing the court that a formal letter had been written to the Chief Judge.

The request was strongly opposed by lawyers representing the ADC, Mark, Aregbesola and Nwosu, who described it as an attempt to delay proceedings.

The defence team argued that there was no basis for seeking a transfer and maintained confidence in the impartiality and integrity of the court.

They further contended that the application amounted to “forum shopping” and was inconsistent with the Supreme Court’s directive for an expeditious hearing of the matter.

With the reassignment of the case to Justice Lifu and a fresh hearing date now fixed, attention will focus on the Federal High Court as the legal battle over the control and leadership of the ADC enters another crucial phase.