ADC Leadership Lawsuit Reassigned To A New Judge

According to IReporter Online, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court has reassigned a lawsuit challenging the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to a new judge.

The case, instituted by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala, has now been transferred to Justice Peter Lifu for hearing.

The matter was previously before Justice Emeka Nwite, who was recently among 12 judges recommended by the National Judicial Council (NJC) for elevation to the Court of Appeal.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, Bala is seeking judicial intervention to restrain the party’s current leadership, including ADC National Chairman David Mark, National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, and members of the interim National Working Committee, from continuing to act in their capacities.

The defendants in the suit include the ADC, Mark, Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, who had resigned prior to the emergence of the interim leadership.

The claimant argues that the formation of the interim leadership structure contravenes the provisions of the ADC constitution and the Electoral Act.

The reassignment follows weeks after the Supreme Court directed all parties to return to the Federal High Court for an accelerated hearing. On April 30, the apex court nullified a Court of Appeal ruling that had directed parties to maintain the status quo in the leadership dispute, a decision previously relied upon by INEC to withdraw recognition of the party’s leadership.

Meanwhile, during proceedings on May 8, counsel to Bala, Luka Haruna, informed the court of a letter requesting the transfer of the case to another judge.

However, the application was strongly opposed by counsel representing the ADC, David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, and Ralph Nwosu, who described the request as an attempt at “forum shopping” capable of undermining the accelerated hearing ordered by the Supreme Court. They further expressed confidence in the impartiality of the former presiding judge.

Following the arguments, Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the matter indefinitely pending receipt of the Supreme Court’s certified judgment.

With the reassignment now concluded, Justice Peter Lifu is expected to take over proceedings in the high-profile leadership dispute.