The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled May 8 for hearing in the suit filed by Nafiu Bala challenging the leadership of David Mark in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the matter for Friday following an application submitted by Bala’s legal team seeking accelerated hearing of the case.
In a letter dated May 5 and addressed to the deputy chief registrar of the Federal High Court in Abuja, counsel to Bala — Robert Emukpoeruo, Lukman Fagbemi, and Lukas Musa Haruna — requested an urgent hearing date after the recent judgment of the Supreme Court.
“Following the dismissal of the interlocutory appeal filed by Senator David Mark by the Supreme Court of Nigeria on April 30, 2026, we hereby apply for a date for the accelerated hearing of this matter in accordance with the judgment of the Court of Appeal,” the letter stated.
The lawyers also attached the earlier Court of Appeal judgment, which directed that the case be heard expeditiously.
The dispute began in September 2025 when Bala, a former vice-chairman of the ADC, filed a suit seeking to restrain Mark and his faction from presenting themselves as the legitimate leadership of the party.
At the time, Bala declared himself national chairman of the ADC and accused the Mark-led faction of unlawfully taking over the party in violation of its constitution. He also denied claims that he had resigned from his position as deputy national chairman.
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Following the filing of the suit, Justice Nwite ordered the respondents, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to appear before the court and explain why the reliefs sought should not be granted.
Dissatisfied with the proceedings, Mark challenged the jurisdiction of the trial court at the Court of Appeal. However, on March 12, 2026, the appellate court dismissed his appeal, describing it as incompetent and lacking merit.
The appellate court also directed parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending determination of the substantive suit.
Subsequently, the Mark-led faction approached the Supreme Court after INEC reportedly withdrew recognition from its leadership structure following the appeal court judgment.
On April 30, the apex court directed Mark to return to the Federal High Court for the hearing of the substantive leadership dispute, while also setting aside the earlier status quo order, which it described as “unnecessary, unwarranted and improper.”
