The leadership tussle within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a fresh legal turn, with the Federal High Court in Abuja postponing a key decision that could determine how quickly the dispute is resolved. Justice Peter Lifu on Monday fixed June 16 to rule on requests by several parties asking him to withdraw from hearing the case challenging the party’s current leadership structure led by Senator David Mark.

At the centre of the dispute is a suit filed by former ADC Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is contesting the emergence of the party’s national leadership. The case, which has already travelled to the Supreme Court and returned to the trial court for accelerated hearing, has generated multiple applications and objections, raising questions about the pace and direction of the proceedings.

During Monday’s session in Abuja, lawyers representing the ADC, some party officials and other interested parties argued that Justice Lifu should step aside over allegations of bias. The judge, however, noted the unusually contentious history of the matter, revealing that no fewer than 23 petitions linked to the case had been filed before it was assigned to him. He subsequently directed all parties to formally adopt their applications for his recusal before reserving ruling.

While some respondents insisted that the case should be transferred or stayed pending the determination of the recusal requests, counsel to Gombe opposed the applications, arguing that no credible evidence had been presented to establish judicial bias. Justice Lifu also directed parties seeking to join the suit to file their responses to the substantive claims, while putting one of the joinder-related recusal motions on hold.

The outcome of the June 16 ruling is expected to shape the next phase of the legal battle, as the court will decide whether Justice Lifu will continue with the matter or relinquish it to another judge. The decision is being closely watched by stakeholders within the ADC, especially as the party navigates internal disagreements ahead of future political activities.

In a related development, a separate suit has been filed before another Federal High Court in Abuja seeking the deregistration of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). The plaintiff, Ahidjo Karlahi of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), is asking the court to determine whether the party met constitutional and electoral requirements for registration. The NDC, whose founder Seriake Dickson recently maintained that the party is legally recognised, is expected to defend its position as the matter proceeds before the court.