Nigerian Politician Seeks Transfer of Party Leadership Case

A legal battle within Nigeria's African Democratic Congress (ADC) continues as factional leader Nafiu-Bala Gombe applies to transfer a significant leadership case. The matter, currently before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja, pits Gombe's faction against the leadership group headed by Senator David Mark. Gombe's legal team, led by Luka Haruna, SAN, informed the court of their application for transfer, citing developments following a recent Supreme Court decision. The Supreme Court dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by the Mark faction, deeming it lacking in merit. However, the apex court also set aside a previous order that had stayed all actions pending the determination of the main case. This brings the proceedings back to Justice Nwite's court for the first time since an indefinite adjournment on April 14. Gombe's lawyer submitted a letter to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, on May 4, requesting the case be reassigned. The court awaits the Chief Judge's administrative decision on this request. Lawyers representing the various parties, including Rilwan Okpanachi for the ADC, Suleiman Usman, SAN, for Mark, and Mohammed Sheriff for Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, have vehemently opposed the transfer application. Okpanachi contested the narrative presented by Haruna regarding the Supreme Court judgment, stating that the apex court also upheld an order for accelerated hearing. He emphasized the need for the court to review the certified true copy of the judgment before proceeding.

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With humility and respect to my lord, we wish to draw your lordship’s attention to the fact that this matter was adjourned sine die consequent upon the interlocutory application filed by the 2nd defendant (Mark) in this case.