ADC Leadership Crisis Deepens as Court Adjourns Suit Challenging David Mark’s Control

The internal leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress took a new turn on Friday after a Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned indefinitely a suit challenging the party’s leadership structure.

The case was filed by ADC chieftain Nafiu Bala Gombe against the party leadership led by former Senate President David Mark, in a dispute that has further exposed deep divisions within the party.

Presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, halted proceedings after counsel to the plaintiff, Luka Haruna, informed the court of a May 4 application submitted to the Chief Judge requesting reassignment of the case.

Haruna also referenced a Supreme Court ruling delivered on April 30, 2026, which dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by the defence and lifted an earlier stay of proceedings, effectively clearing the matter for continuation.

However, lawyers representing the defendants strongly opposed the development, describing the move as “judge shopping” and an attempt to derail the court’s ongoing processes.

They argued that acting on the reassignment request without hearing all parties would violate the constitutional right to fair hearing and undermine judicial procedure.

In his ruling, Justice Nwite held that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain matters relating to administrative decisions of the Chief Judge, particularly regarding case reassignment.

He subsequently adjourned the matter indefinitely, leaving the leadership dispute unresolved.

The suit is part of a wider internal struggle within the ADC, which has been embroiled in factional tensions since the emergence of a leadership structure reportedly backed by David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

The leadership tussle has continued to generate uncertainty within the party as it seeks to position itself ahead of the 2027 general elections, amid growing political realignments and defections across Nigeria’s opposition landscape.