ADC: Court Begins Accelerated Hearing in Suit against David Mark Leadership Today

A Nigerian Federal High Court in Abuja is set to begin an accelerated hearing today in a suit challenging the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under Senator David Mark. Justice Peter Lifu ordered the speedy trial and directed all parties to submit their legal documents.

However, the proceedings face a challenge as Nkemakolam Ukandu, the ADC's Welfare Secretary, has asked Justice Lifu to withdraw from the case. Ukandu cited a petition filed against the judge and the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, at the National Judicial Council (NJC). He alleges corruption, abuse of judicial powers, disobedience to court orders, and bias by both judges.

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The subject matter of the petition and the suit is on grounds of corruption, abuse of judicial powers, disobedience to court orders, and bias by Hon. Justice John Tsoho and Hon, Justice Peter Lifu against the applicant.

This request follows a similar one made by the ADC's National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who also sought Justice Lifu's recusal due to alleged "lack of confidence" in the judge's impartiality. Aregbesola's motion referenced a ruling by Justice Lifu in a separate case involving the ADC.

Another party official, Nafiu Bala Gombe, the National Deputy Chairman, had previously sought a court order to prevent the Mark-led faction from acting as ADC leaders while his suit challenging their legitimacy is heard. Gombe also asked the court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing this leadership.

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The constitution guaranteed every litigant a hearing before an independent and impartial panel.