The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, May 8, put on hold indefinitely a suit challenging the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following a fresh procedural request by the plaintiff, Nafiu Bala Gombe.
Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the matter after being informed that the plaintiff had written to the Chief Judge of the court, seeking a transfer of the case to another judge.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, has intensified internal divisions within the party, particularly after former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola assumed roles within the ADC leadership structure.
During proceedings, counsel to the plaintiff, Luka Musa Haruna, told the court that the Supreme Court of Nigeria had, on April 30, dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Mark.
He added that the apex court also vacated a prior ruling of the Court of Appeal which had paused the trial.
“The interlocutory appeal of the second defendant has travelled to the Supreme Court. My Lord, we are glad to inform this honourable court that on the 30th day of April 2026, the Supreme Court delivered its judgment on the interlocutory appeal dismissing the said appeal for lacking in merit,” Haruna said.
He further disclosed that the plaintiff had formally requested reassignment of the case and urged the court to await the Chief Judge’s decision.
“At this juncture, we must humbly pray to your Lordship, to wait for the administrative decision of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court,” Haruna added.
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However, defence lawyers strongly opposed the move, arguing that it was an attempt to delay proceedings already designated for accelerated hearing.
Counsel to the first defendant, Realwan Okpanachi, said the defence was unaware of the application.
“We have not received any communication regarding that application. My Lord, so as it is, we don’t know the form or the content of that application. Therefore, we take the approach of the plaintiff as an ambush,” Okpanachi said.
He added, “We also consider it as an attempt to frustrate the order of accelerated hearing granted by the Court of Appeal and upheld by the Supreme Court.”
Other defence counsel echoed similar concerns, describing the request as inappropriate.
Ruling on the matter, Justice Nwite held that the court could not act on the letter without hearing all parties.
“Taking a decision or any action in such a letter without hearing from the defendants will amount to breach of their fundamental right in this suit,” the judge ruled.
He subsequently adjourned the case indefinitely, pending further directives from the Chief Judge.