The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has refused an ex-parte application filed by Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe in the ongoing leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a ruling delivered on September 4, 2025, Justice Emeka Nwite declined to grant the Plaintiff’s request and instead directed that the Defendants be put on notice. The Judge further ordered the Defendants/Respondents, including Senator David Mark, former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Chief Ralph Nwosu, to appear and show cause why the application should not be granted.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, was instituted by Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe against the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, INEC, and Chief Ralph Nwosu.
In his originating summons, the Plaintiff sought the Court’s interpretation on whether the assumption of leadership positions as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC by the 2nd and 3rd Defendants respectively was not unconstitutional, null, and void. He argued that their actions amounted to an irregular and unlawful takeover of the party’s leadership.
However, the Court refused to entertain the matter ex-parte, holding that the Defendants must first be heard. Justice Nwite consequently adjourned the case to September 15, 2025, for the Respondents to show cause.
The ruling marks a significant turn in the ADC leadership tussle, which has pitched factions within the party against one another, raising questions over the legitimacy of its current leadership structure.
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Full Court Order
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED AS FOLLOWS:
1. That the Plaintiff/Applicant’s application dated and filed 2/9/2025 is refused.
2. That an order of this Honourable Court is hereby made directing the Plaintiff/Applicant to put the Defendants on notice.
3. That the Defendants/Respondents are hereby ordered by this Honourable Court to show cause why the application should not be granted.
4. That case is adjourned to 15th day of September, 2025 for the Respondents to show cause.
ISSUED AT ABUJA under the Seal of the Court and the Hand of the Presiding Judge, this 4th day of September, 2025.
Signed:
HON. JUSTICE EMEKA NWITE
Presiding Judge
KASOPE KAFAYAT BOLA
Registrar
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