The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns over what it described as attempts to manipulate the judicial process after a Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned indefinitely a leadership dispute suit involving the party.
The case, filed by former ADC National Deputy Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, challenges the emergence of former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, in the party’s leadership structure.
At the resumed hearing on Friday, Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the matter sine die after parties informed the court that the plaintiff had written to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court seeking the transfer of the case to another judge.
The judge held that the court could not take any decision on the request because the defendants had not been served with the letter and the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgment connected to the matter was yet to be presented before the court.
Justice Nwite said proceeding without hearing from all parties would amount to a breach of fair hearing, adding that the matter would remain adjourned pending further directives from the Chief Judge and submission of the Supreme Court judgment.
Reacting to the development, the ADC accused unnamed political actors of attempting to influence the judiciary through what it called “judge shopping.”
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the move to reassign the case as suspicious and politically motivated.
The party argued that it was unusual for a plaintiff to seek delays in a case he personally initiated, especially after the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court reportedly ordered accelerated hearing of the matter.
According to the ADC, the request for reassignment appeared to support fears that some political interests were trying to secure a favourable judge for the case.
During proceedings, counsel to the plaintiff, Luka Haruna (SAN), informed the court that the Supreme Court had dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by David Mark on April 30, 2026.
However, lawyers representing the ADC, David Mark, Aregbesola and other defendants opposed the application for transfer, insisting that no litigant has the right to choose a judge.
ADC’s counsel, Rilwan Okpanachi, described the move as an “ambush” and warned that it could frustrate the accelerated hearing earlier directed by higher courts.
Similarly, counsel to David Mark, Suleiman Usman (SAN), said private correspondence seeking reassignment of the case was “a dangerous trend” capable of undermining judicial integrity.
The leadership tussle has continued to generate political tension within the ADC following the restructuring of the party’s National Working Committee under the leadership of David Mark.
The suit lists the ADC, David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu as defendants.
