A Federal High Court in Sokoto has adjourned the hearing of a leadership dispute within the Sokoto State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) until June 19, 2026, following concerns over procedural irregularities in court documents. The case, which challenges the legitimacy of the current state chairman and secretary of the party, was delayed after legal representatives raised objections to the service of documents that lacked proper signatures from court registry officials. Justice Ahmad Gama Mahmud, presiding over the matter, acknowledged the error and directed that corrected, properly signed documents be served to all parties involved. The adjournment ensures that all stakeholders have a fair opportunity to respond to the claims presented in the lawsuit.
Counsel for the first defendant, Sulaiman Usman, emphasized that the procedural lapse undermined the integrity of the legal process. “The right thing should be done to enable us to respond appropriately. What happened is a clear procedural error,” he told the court. His statement was echoed by lawyers representing the plaintiffs and other defendants, who collectively agreed that the issue must be rectified before proceedings continue. The court’s decision reflects a commitment to due process and transparency in judicial matters, particularly in politically sensitive cases involving party leadership.
Justice Mahmud questioned how such an oversight occurred and issued a stern warning to court officials to prevent similar mistakes in future cases. He stressed that proper documentation is essential for fair trials and ordered that all parties receive the corrected documents promptly. The judge’s directive underscores the importance of administrative accuracy in the judiciary, especially in high-profile disputes that could influence political dynamics within the state.
The lawsuit centers on the contested leadership of the ADC in Sokoto State, with the plaintiffs asserting that the individuals currently claiming to be the state chairman and secretary were not duly elected or appointed. This legal challenge has drawn attention from party members and political observers, as it could impact the party’s operations and electoral prospects in the region. The ADC, one of Nigeria’s political parties, has faced internal rifts in several states, and this case in Sokoto adds to the growing list of leadership disputes within the party structure.
As the next hearing is set for June 19, 2026, all parties are expected to prepare their submissions in accordance with the corrected documents. The outcome of this case may set a precedent for how leadership disputes within political parties are resolved through the courts. The legal process remains open, and the judiciary’s role in upholding fairness and order in political matters continues to be under scrutiny.
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