The legal battle over leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set for a crucial hearing in the Federal High Court, Abuja, on April 14, as Nafiu-Bala Gombe seeks to challenge the authority of Senator David Mark-led faction to represent the party. The court date coincides with the ADC’s scheduled National Convention in Abuja, raising tensions within the party. Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the hearing after reviewing notices submitted by all parties involved, following a previous adjournment sine die to await the Court of Appeal’s decision.
Gombe, in his suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, named ADC, Senator David Mark, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, INEC, and Chief Ralph Nwosu as defendants. The case centers on whether the Mark-led leadership has the legal right to function as the legitimate leadership of the ADC. The trial court had previously adjourned the matter indefinitely after the defendants’ counsel informed the court of an appeal filed against the lower court’s order. However, the Court of Appeal, in a March 12 judgment, directed the parties to return to the trial court and maintain the status quo ante bellum until the substantive suit is heard and determined.
In response to the appellate court’s ruling, INEC removed the names of Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal and website on April 1, citing the ongoing legal dispute. This move prompted the Mark-led leadership to file a motion on notice on April 7, through Sulaiman Usman, SAN, seeking an order to restore their names and requesting an accelerated hearing of the case. They also asked the court to dismiss the suit in limine, arguing that Gombe lacks jurisdiction to bring the action.
Senator David Mark, through his lawyer, Usman, submitted that Gombe voluntarily resigned as deputy national chairman of ADC, thereby losing his locus standi to file the suit. He argued that the suit is based on falsehood and suppresses material facts, particularly Gombe’s resignation. Mark further contended that the matter pertains to internal party affairs, which are non-justiciable under Nigerian law. He claimed the plaintiff has not shown any reasonable cause of action and accused the suit of being a gross abuse of court process.
Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, in his counter-affidavit deposed to by Anthonia Nwafor of M.E. Sheriff & Co, echoed similar sentiments, asserting that Gombe’s suit is unmeritorious. He stated that Gombe resigned his position to facilitate coalition and restructuring within the party, and the party duly communicated this to INEC. Aregbesola also sought an order for N50 million in costs, arguing he was discommoded by defending the suit. Chief Ralph Nwosu, through his lawyer P.I. Oyewole, also prayed the court to dismiss the suit, arguing it is premature and that Gombe failed to exhaust internal dispute resolution mechanisms before approaching the court.
The April 14 hearing will be a critical moment in determining the legitimacy of the ADC’s leadership and the future direction of the party. The outcome may set a precedent for how internal political party disputes are resolved in Nigeria.
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