ADC Leadership Battle Returns to Court as Hearing Begins Today

The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set to enter a decisive phase as the Federal High Court in Abuja begins accelerated hearing in a suit challenging the legitimacy of the party's current leadership under former Senate President David Mark.

The case, which has become one of the most closely watched legal battles within Nigeria's opposition politics, comes amid allegations of judicial bias, internal party divisions and broader concerns about the future direction of the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Justice Peter Lifu is expected to commence substantive proceedings after previously directing all parties to file and exchange their legal processes in preparation for an expedited hearing.

However, before the trial could begin, fresh controversy emerged as ADC Welfare Secretary, Nkemakolam Ukandu, formally requested that Justice Lifu withdraw from the case.

Ukandu argued that the judge should recuse himself because petitions alleging corruption, abuse of judicial authority, disobedience to court orders and bias have already been filed against both Justice Lifu and the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, before the National Judicial Council (NJC). The request adds another layer of complexity to a case already mired in legal disputes and procedural challenges.

The move followed a similar application by ADC National Secretary and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, who also questioned the judge's impartiality and requested his withdrawal from the matter.

At the heart of the dispute is a suit filed by ADC National Deputy Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking court orders restraining David Mark and his allies from acting as leaders of the party pending the determination of the substantive case.

Gombe also wants the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) barred from recognising the current ADC leadership. The legal battle has travelled through multiple courts.

An earlier appeal by the defendants, who argued that the matter concerned the internal affairs of the party and was therefore beyond judicial intervention, was dismissed by the Court of Appeal.

Although the appellate court ordered an accelerated hearing, it also directed parties to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of the dispute.

The matter subsequently reached the Supreme Court, where David Mark sought to overturn aspects of the lower courts' decisions.

While the apex court nullified the status quo order, it nevertheless directed that the substantive suit be returned to the trial court for speedy determination.

Political observers say the outcome of the case could have far-reaching implications for the ADC as it positions itself ahead of the next election cycle.

The party has increasingly attracted attention from politicians seeking alternatives to the country's dominant political parties, making the leadership dispute particularly significant.

Meanwhile, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi has insisted that the party remains focused on its political ambitions despite the legal distractions.

Speaking in Ilorin during Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, Abdullahi ruled out the possibility of ADC collapsing into any existing political party merely for electoral advantage.

According to him, the party remains open to alliances based on shared political principles and ideology but would preserve its independent identity.

He said ADC was witnessing steady growth in membership and remained committed to offering Nigerians an alternative platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

Abdullahi also launched a strong attack on the ruling APC, accusing the government of failing to address insecurity and economic hardship.

He argued that the ADC possesses the capacity and leadership needed to tackle the country's mounting challenges.

"We have qualified and experienced candidates. We don't have candidates that have been to EFCC before," he said.

As the courtroom battle resumes, the future leadership of the ADC and its readiness for the 2027 political contest may ultimately depend on the outcome of a case that has already exposed deep divisions within the opposition party.