Breaking: ADC Leadership Suit Gets Fresh Judge In Major Court Shake-Up

The case, instituted by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala, has now been transferred to Justice Peter Lifu for hearing.

The matter was previously before Justice Emeka Nwite, who was recently among 12 judges recommended by the National Judicial Council (NJC) for elevation to the Court of Appeal.

In the suit, Bala is seeking to restrain the ADC National Chairman, David Mark, National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, and members of the party’s interim National Working Committee from acting as the party’s leadership.

In case number FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, the plaintiff argues that the formation of the interim leadership structure violates both the ADC constitution and the Electoral Act.

The defendants include the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and former ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, who reportedly stepped down before the emergence of the current leadership.

The reassignment follows recent legal developments after the Supreme Court ordered the parties to return to the Federal High Court for an accelerated hearing. On April 30, the apex court set aside a Court of Appeal ruling that had directed parties to maintain the status quo in the leadership dispute.

INEC had earlier relied on the appellate court’s decision to withdraw recognition of the Mark-led leadership of the party.

Meanwhile, at a May 8 hearing, Bala’s counsel, Luka Haruna, informed the court that a request had been submitted to the Chief Judge seeking reassignment of the case to another judge.

The application was opposed by counsel representing the ADC, David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, and Ralph Nwosu, who described it as an attempt at “forum shopping” and warned it could delay the accelerated hearing ordered by the Supreme Court.

They also expressed confidence in Justice Nwite’s handling of the matter.

Following arguments from both sides, Justice Nwite adjourned the case indefinitely pending the release of a certified true copy of the Supreme Court judgment.

With the latest reassignment, Justice Peter Lifu is now expected to preside over the ongoing leadership dispute.