The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed June 3, 2026, for hearing in a suit filed by a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu-Bala Gombe, challenging the leadership of the party under former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola.

Sunday Telegraph recalls that the case, which was previously before Justice Emeka Nwite, was reassigned to Justice Peter Lifu following Nwite’s elevation to the Court of Appeal.

Following the development, hearing notices have been issued and served on all parties involved in the matter.

Gombe, a former deputy National Chairman of the ADC, is seeking an order restraining Mark, Aregbesola and members of the party’s interim National Working Committee from presenting themselves as the legitimate leadership of the party.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, Gombe contends that the emergence of the Mark-led leadership contravened both the party’s constitution and relevant provisions of the Electoral Act.

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The defendants in the suit are the ADC, Mark, Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission and former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, who stepped aside before the party’s leadership transition.

The matter had earlier been adjourned indefinitely after Gombe requested that proceedings await the outcome of an appeal before the Supreme Court.

However, the apex court subsequently set aside a Court of Appeal order directing the maintenance of the status quo in the leadership dispute and instructed the parties to return to the Federal High Court for an accelerated hearing.

Following the Supreme Court ruling, INEC restored the Mark-led leadership on its official records.

When the matter resumed before Justice Nwite on May 8, Gombe’s counsel, Luka Haruna (SAN), requested that the case be transferred to another judge. Although no reason was publicly disclosed, he informed the court that a letter had been sent to the Chief Judge seeking reassignment.

Lawyers representing the ADC, Mark, Aregbesola and Nwosu opposed the request, describing it as an attempt to delay proceedings.

Counsel to the defendants argued that the application amounted to “forum shopping” and maintained confidence in the impartiality and integrity of the court. They further contended that the request could frustrate the directive for an expedited hearing affirmed by the Supreme Court.

The defence team also noted that a certified true copy of the Supreme Court judgment was still being awaited to properly guide proceedings.

The leadership dispute comes amid heightened political activity within the ADC following the party’s recent presidential primary, where former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the party’s presidential candidate after defeating other aspirants, including former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi.

Separately, another faction of the ADC adopted Dumebi Kachikwu as its presidential candidate, underscoring the continuing divisions within the party as the 2027 elections approach.