ADC Leadership Crisis Sparks Court Clash in Abuja

A leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, where factions led by Nafiu Bala Gombe and David Mark clashed. The court proceedings, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, were marked by accusations of attempts to delay the hearing.

Counsel for the Gombe faction, Shaibu Aruwa SAN, claimed that the Mark faction was responsible for the delays. In contrast, Mark's lawyer, Robert Emukpoeruo SAN, rejected these allegations and filed several applications to prevent a speedy hearing, arguing that the Gombe faction was attempting to undermine a Supreme Court directive for an expedited resolution.

The case, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, involves Gombe challenging the legitimacy of the leadership process that brought Mark to power, asserting violations of the party's constitution and the Electoral Act. The matter was stood down by Justice Lifu for further deliberation.