The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday refused to grant an ex-parte application aimed at stopping the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Senator David Mark, from holding conventions, congresses, or meetings to elect or approve members of its executive committees and other governing bodies.
Justice Emeka Nwite, delivering the ruling, emphasized that the parties involved were already before the court, making an ex-parte application inappropriate.
He stated that “any ex-parte application without notice to the other parties will be overreaching,” and adjourned the matter to February 3, 2026, for the respondents to show cause.
The motion, filed by Nafiu-Bala Gombe, former Deputy National Chairman of ADC, through his lawyer Michael Agber, sought to restrain ADC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from convening or recognizing any meetings, conventions, or congresses pending the determination of a motion on notice.
Gombe argued in his affidavit of urgency that ADC, with the alleged consent of INEC, had conducted several meetings and consultations across the country to prepare for the 2027 elections, actions he described as illegal under the leadership of Senator Mark.
He also alleged that prominent figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, had received membership cards from the disputed leadership, creating confusion within the party.
Justice Nwite recalled a similar motion filed on September 4, 2025, which was previously refused. The judge noted that any action taken in the absence of the opposing parties would be null and void, stressing that justice requires all parties to be present.
Gombe’s latest motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, named ADC, Senator Mark, and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as respondents, with INEC and Chief Ralph Nwosu also listed. The former deputy chairman also undertook to pay damages should the injunction be wrongly granted.
