The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday adjourned the suit filed by Nafiu-Bala Gombe over the leadership dispute in the African Democratic Party, ADC, indefinitely.
Justice Emeka Nwite took the decision after taking arguments from the plaintiff (Gombe) and the defence lawyers on the application by Gombe seeking the reassignment of the case to another judge.
“I have listened to the submissions of the learner counsel of both devide.
“From the submissions of both counsel, the Supreme Court has delivered judgment on the interlocutory appeal of the 2nd defendant (Mark) in this matter on 30th April, 2026.
“However, none of the parties has furnished this honourable court with the certified true copy (CTC) of the judgment of Supreme Court.
“Also, from the submissions of both parties which is also on record, the plaintiff wrote a letter to the honourable CJ of the Federal High Court seeking the transfer of the instant suit.
“However, such letter was neither copied or served on the defendant.
“Taking a decision or any action on such letter without hearing from the defendants will amount to breach of their fundamental rights in this suit.
“Also, the letter having being addressed to the honourable CJ of the court, this honourable court cannot make any decision on it.
“Consequently, this matter is best adjourned sine die (indefinitely) to afford the parties the opportunity to properly filed a CTC of the Supreme Court judgment in the interlocutory appeal in this suit, served the defendants with the letter addressed to the Honourable CJ and finally to await further or any directive from the CJ.
“This case is hereby adjourned sine die,” the judge ruled.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gombe, the former National Deputy Chairman of ADC, had written a letter to the CJ, Justice John Tsoho, seeking the transfer of his case to another judge.
Gombe, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, had sued ADC, Sen. David Mark, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Ralph Nwosu as 1st to 5th defendants respectively.
Nwosu was the former ADC National Chairman who stepped down for David Mark leadership of the party.
Gombe had argued that the emergence of Mark and Aregbesola as party’s leaders breached the provisions of the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
At the resumed hearing on Friday, Gombe, through his lawyer, Luka Haruna, SAN, informed Justice Nwite about the latest development, following the recent Supreme Court decison.
Haruna drew the attention of the court to what transpired before the trial judge on the last adjourned date.
“With humity and respect to my lord, we wish to draw your lordship attention to the fact that this matter was adjourned sine die consequent upon the interlocutory application filed by the 2nd defendant (Mark) in this case.”
According to him, the interlocutory appeal of the 2nd defendant has travelled up to the Supreme Court.
“We are glad to inform this honourable court that on the 30th day of April, 2026, the Supreme Court has delivered his judgment in the interlocutory appeal, dismissing the said appeal for lacking in merit.
“However, the Supreme Court again set aside the order made by the Court of Appeal, staying all actions pending the determination of the case before your lordship,” he said.
Haruna, therefore, told Justice Nwite that today’s proceeding was the first time the matter would be coming up in the court after its indefinite adjournment on April 14.
The lawyer, however, said that the plaintiff (Gombe) had written a letter to the Chief Judge of the FHC, John Tsoho, on May 4, requesting for the transfer of the case to another judge.
“I can confirm that the same letter has been transmitted to the registry of this honourable court.
“At this juncture, we must humbly pray to your lordship to wait for the administrative decision of the CJ,” he said.
