Court Postpones Nafiu Bala suit against David Mark to June 8

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has shifted the hearing of a political dispute involving Nafiu Bala Gombe and the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to June 8, 2026.

The case centres on disagreements over the party’s leadership structure and has drawn involvement from multiple stakeholders, including INEC and individuals seeking to join the suit.

The court session on Wednesday could not proceed fully because some parties who applied to join the case were not represented in court, and it was confirmed that they had not been properly served hearing notices. Although INEC had been served, those seeking joinder were absent due to lack of service.

Lawyers representing the ADC leadership, led by senior advocates, argued that the absence of these parties had affected the progress of the matter and insisted that they must be given fair opportunity to be heard before the case continues.

The plaintiff’s legal team agreed to an adjournment, saying it was necessary to ensure proper service and compliance with earlier court directions, including a Supreme Court order for accelerated hearing.

During the proceedings, the court noted that the case had already been assigned by the Chief Judge and that it must proceed in line with directives from higher courts. The judge also stated that the court would take responsibility for ensuring that all pending parties are properly served within a short time frame.

The judge further ordered that court bailiffs must serve all parties seeking joinder within 24 hours and directed that all involved parties should file and exchange necessary legal documents before the next hearing date.

The matter was therefore adjourned to June 8 for continuation of hearing under an accelerated schedule.