Drama In ADC As Court Takes New Position On Leadership Tussle

Justice Peter Lifu adjourned the matter until June 8 to allow all parties with an interest in the case to be properly served and represented before the court.

The decision followed submissions by counsel to the plaintiff, Robert Emukpoeruo (SAN), who informed the court that lawyers representing individuals seeking to join the suit were absent during the proceedings.

When the case was called, neither representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nor counsel for the parties seeking joinder were present in court.

Although court records showed that INEC had been served with hearing notices, those seeking to be joined in the matter had yet to receive the necessary court processes.

Counsel for the ADC, Shaibu Aruwa (SAN), reminded the court that the applicants seeking joinder had been involved in earlier proceedings before Justice Emeka Nwite, who previously handled the case and had acknowledged their applications.

He urged the court, in the interest of fairness, to allow the parties an opportunity to appear and explain their stake in the matter.

Aruwa also argued that the plaintiff was already aware of issues surrounding the joinder applications.

In response, Emukpoeruo cited recent appellate court rulings directing that the case be handled expeditiously and requested time for all parties to file and exchange relevant documents. He also supported an adjournment to ensure full participation by interested parties.

The application was not opposed by lawyers representing the ADC, former Senate President David Mark, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu.

However, defence counsel argued that previous attempts to have the matter reassigned contributed to delays despite the Supreme Court’s directive for accelerated proceedings.

Delivering his remarks, Justice Lifu stated that litigants do not have the right to choose the judge assigned to their cases. He stressed that having been assigned the matter by the Chief Judge, and guided by directives from higher courts, he was committed to ensuring both fairness and a speedy resolution.

The judge also accepted responsibility for the failure to serve the parties seeking joinder and subsequently adjourned the matter until June 8.

“In the circumstances of this case and the overall interest of justice and order of the Supreme Court and the Appeal Court, this case is hereby given an accelerated hearing,” Justice Lifu stated.

He directed the court bailiff to serve all parties seeking joinder within 24 hours and ordered all parties to file and exchange their processes before the next hearing date.

The suit was filed by former ADC National Deputy Chairman, Nafiu-Bala Gombe, who is seeking court orders restraining David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, and members of the party’s interim National Working Committee from acting as national officers of the ADC.

Gombe argues that the process that produced the interim leadership violated provisions of the party’s constitution as well as the Electoral Act.

The ADC, David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, INEC, and former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu are listed as defendants in the suit.

The leadership dispute comes amid broader divisions within the party, with one faction producing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its 2027 presidential candidate, while another faction adopted Dumebi Kachikwu as its flagbearer.