By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
A Federal High Court in Sokoto has adjourned until May 19, 2026, for an expedited hearing in the leadership dispute rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state.
Justice Ahmad Gama Mahmud granted the adjournment following an ex-parte motion filed by Umar Faruok, one of the factional chairmen of the party, through his lead counsel, Mathew Burkaa (SAN). The motion alleges that certain individuals have unlawfully seized the party’s leadership structure in Sokoto.
Burkaa told the court: “There is a hijack of power by the second and third defendants, who are parading themselves as chairman and secretary of the party in Sokoto State. Our clients remain the authentic chairman and secretary of the ADC in Sokoto.”
Citing the urgency of the matter, Burkaa requested an abridgment of time for the defendants to respond, warning that the ADC primaries scheduled for May 21, 2026, could plunge the party into deeper confusion if the leadership question remains unresolved.
“The essence of this application is to allow the matter to be heard expeditiously so that the leadership issue can be properly settled before the ADC primaries are conducted in Sokoto State,” he submitted.
In his ruling, Justice Mahmud granted the application, stressing that time is a critical factor given the party’s political calendar. He directed all parties to file their relevant processes within the stipulated period.
Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, counsel to the plaintiffs, Fidelis Mnyim, confirmed that the court had shortened the timeline for the defendants to respond.
“The court abridged the time for the defendants to file their responses and adjourned the case to May 19, 2026, for hearing of the substantive matter,” Mnyim said. He added that the court expects all defence processes, including replies where necessary, to be filed before the next sitting to enable a comprehensive hearing.