The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed April 14 for the hearing of a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe challenging the leadership structure of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The suit questions the authority of former Senate President David Mark and other party leaders who currently hold key positions within the party.
Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the date on Friday, April 10, after confirming that hearing notices had been served on all parties involved in the matter.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, has the ADC, David Mark, former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and former party chairman Ralph Nwosu listed as defendants.
The matter had earlier been adjourned indefinitely pending the outcome of an appeal arising from a related dispute.
However, the Court of Appeal, in a ruling delivered on March 12, ordered all parties to maintain the status quo and return the case to the trial court for determination.
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Following that decision, INEC reportedly removed the names of Mark and Aregbesola from its official portal, where they were listed as National Chairman and National Secretary of the party.
In reaction, the Mark-led faction approached the court on April 7, seeking an order compelling INEC to restore the names of its leadership on the party’s official records. The faction also asked for accelerated hearing of the case.
Meanwhile, Mark and Aregbesola have filed preliminary objections, urging the court to strike out the suit for lack of jurisdiction.
Mark argued that Gombe lacks the legal standing to institute the case, adding that he had already resigned his position as Deputy National Chairman of the party.
He further maintained that internal party affairs are not justiciable before the courts.
Aregbesola, in his response, also urged the court to dismiss the case, describing it as unmeritorious and seeking ₦50 million in costs against the plaintiff for what he called a frivolous action.
Former party chairman Ralph Nwosu also opposed the suit, arguing that it was premature and that internal dispute resolution mechanisms had not been exhausted before approaching the court.