The Federal High Court in Abuja has declined a request by the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to proceed with hearing pending applications in an ongoing leadership dispute.
In a ruling delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite, the court held that it would be inappropriate to continue proceedings while the issue of jurisdiction is already before the Supreme Court.
The case was filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the ADC, who is challenging the emergence of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as party leaders.
Justice Nwite ruled that proceeding with the case could amount to conflicting with the authority of the apex court, which is currently reviewing related appeals.
He noted that once the question of jurisdiction is under consideration at the Supreme Court, the lower court must exercise caution and await its outcome.
The judge emphasised that any judgment delivered without proper jurisdiction would be legally invalid, regardless of its merits.
He also pointed out that the appeal before the Supreme Court could ultimately determine the fate of the entire case.
As a result, the court adjourned the matter indefinitely, pending the decision of the apex court.
The ruling followed arguments by Gombe’s counsel, Lukman Fagbemi (SAN), who urged the court to suspend proceedings until the Supreme Court resolves the dispute.
Fagbemi informed the court that the appeal filed by Mark had already been entered at the Supreme Court and that all parties had been directed to file briefs ahead of a hearing scheduled for April 22, 2026.
However, lawyers representing the ADC, Mark, Aregbesola, and other parties opposed the request, arguing that the lower court should proceed with the case.
They maintained that a previous Court of Appeal ruling had ordered accelerated hearing of the matter and that no valid stay of proceedings was in place.
The defence also argued that the appeal at the Supreme Court focused only on jurisdiction and should not halt proceedings at the Federal High Court.
Despite these objections, Justice Nwite ruled that it was in the interest of justice to await the Supreme Court’s decision.
The dispute stems from a suit filed by Gombe, who is seeking to stop Mark and Aregbesola from presenting themselves as ADC’s national chairman and national secretary.
He argued that their emergence violated provisions of the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
The case is part of a broader leadership crisis within the ADC, which has seen multiple legal battles over control of the party.
