ADC Crisis: Court Fixes Date To Rule On Case Withdrawal

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed June 16, 2026, to determine whether or not to withdraw from a suit challenging the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under former Senate President David Mark.

According to Ireporter Online, the decision followed Monday’s proceedings in which counsel to the parties adopted and argued applications seeking the judge’s recusal from the matter.

The case was instituted by a former Deputy Chairman of the ADC, Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is contesting the legitimacy of the party’s national leadership structure.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, has David Mark, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the ADC, and Ralph Nwosu listed as respondents.

While David Mark and INEC opposed the recusal applications, other respondents urged Justice Lifu to step aside from the case, alleging possible bias and requesting that the matter be reassigned or proceedings stayed.

Also supporting the recusal request, a prospective party seeking joinder, ADC National Welfare Secretary Nkemakolam Ukandu, through his counsel, referenced pending petitions before the National Judicial Council (NJC) as well as a related suit involving the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, and Justice Lifu.

However, counsel to the claimant, Robert Emukpero (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the applications, insisting that no credible evidence of bias had been established against the judge.

After listening to arguments from all sides, Justice Lifu adjourned the matter to June 16 for a ruling on whether he would continue hearing the case or withdraw from it.