Court Adjourns ADC Leadership Suit Indefinitely Amidst Transfer Request

The Federal High Court in Abuja has once again adjourned indefinitely a critical lawsuit concerning the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a development that signals continued legal wrangling within the party. The case, initiated by ADC chieftain Nafiu Bala Gombe, challenges the party's current leadership structure, which notably includes former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola. The adjournment came after the plaintiff informed the court of his application to the Chief Judge for a transfer of the case to a different judge. This move, according to The Punch's reporting, has been met with strong opposition from the defendants' legal teams. Lawyers representing the defendants have accused the plaintiff of employing tactics to frustrate the accelerated hearing previously ordered by the Court of Appeal and affirmed by the Supreme Court. They described the transfer request as an 'ambush' and an attempt at 'forum shopping and judge shopping,' aimed at derailing the judicial process. The Supreme Court had previously dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by one of the defendants, reinforcing the need for expedited proceedings. The plaintiff's latest maneuver, however, has introduced a new layer of complexity, raising concerns about the ADC's internal stability and its ability to resolve leadership disputes through established legal channels. The outcome of this case remains uncertain, but it highlights the deep divisions and legal challenges plaguing the party as it navigates the political landscape.

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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.