Court Set to Hear Nafiu Gombe’s Motion as ADC Pushes for Case Dismissal

A Federal High Court in Abuja is set to hear an ex parte motion filed by Nafiu Gombe on April 14, in a case that could test the internal dynamics and legal standing within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, fixed the date to consider the application, which is already drawing attention due to the opposition mounted by a faction of the party led by former Senate President David Mark.

The Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged the court to summarily dismiss the suit, citing provisions of Section 83(3) of the Electoral Act 2026. According to their argument, the law limits the court’s jurisdiction in matters relating to internal party affairs, particularly those Good candidate selection and party nominations.

Legal observers say the case raises critical questions about the balance between party autonomy and judicial intervention. While political parties often rely on internal mechanisms to resolve disputes, aggrieved members increasingly turn to the courts, testing the boundaries set by electoral laws.

Although details of Nafiu Gombe’s claims remain limited at this stage, the filing of an ex parte motion suggests an attempt to secure urgent judicial relief, possibly to restrain actions within the party pending a full hearing.

However, the ADC’s push for a summary dismissal indicates confidence that the case may not survive preliminary legal scrutiny. By invoking Section 83(3), the party is effectively arguing that the matter falls outside the court’s authority, a position that has been upheld in several electoral disputes in the past.

For many Nigerians, cases like this highlight a recurring issue in the political system, internal party conflicts spilling into the judiciary. Critics argue that such disputes often reflect deeper struggles for control, influence, and positioning ahead of future elections.

As the April 14 hearing approaches, attention will be on how the court interprets the Electoral Act and whether it will allow the case to proceed or terminate it at an early stage.

The outcome could have implications not just for the parties involved, but for how similar political disputes are handled as Nigeria gradually builds momentum toward the next electoral cycle.