The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday adjourned hearing in a suit challenging the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after ruling that the defendants were not properly served with court papers.
Justice Emeka Nwite directed the plaintiff, former ADC Deputy National Chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe, to ensure proper service of the documents and fixed September 30 for hearing.
Gombe is challenging the leadership of former Senate President David Mark and ex-Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola, who currently serve as the ADC’s national chairman and secretary. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and former ADC chairman Ralph Nwosu were also listed as defendants.
In his motion, Gombe sought interim orders restraining INEC from recognising Mark and Aregbesola in their positions and barring the duo from parading themselves as party leaders pending determination of the substantive suit.
However, ADC, through its counsel Shaibu Aruwa, filed a preliminary objection arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction, claiming the matter concerns the party’s internal affairs and was filed in bad faith.
At the resumed sitting, only the ADC and INEC were represented by counsel, while Mark, Aregbesola, and Nwosu neither appeared nor sent legal representation despite earlier summons.