The leadership crisis rocking Nigeria’s African Democratic Congress (ADC) took another significant turn on Monday after the Federal High Court in Sokoto postponed proceedings in a closely watched legal battle over the control of the party’s structure in the state.
The latest court decision has prolonged the dispute, with Justice Ahmad Mahmud Gama fixing July 22, 2026, as the new date for hearing after ruling that all parties involved must first be properly served with the necessary court documents before the case can proceed.
In addition to granting the adjournment, the court imposed a ₦500,000 cost on counsel representing the 1st defendant. Justice Gama also ordered that the plaintiff’s counsel be reimbursed for air transportation and other related travel expenses upon presentation of valid receipts.
The case has become one of the most closely followed political disputes within the ADC in Sokoto State, as rival interests continue to contest the party’s leadership through legal channels.
The application for adjournment was moved by Barrister Salmanu Jabo, who appeared on behalf of the 1st defendant. He informed the court that his principal, Dr. Sulaiman Usman (SAN), was unavoidably absent because of engagements connected to the matter.
Jabo explained that he had only been instructed to announce appearance and request an adjournment, adding that he had not received authority to conduct the substantive hearing.
According to him, several defence processes had not yet been served on all parties involved in the case, particularly the 4th and 5th defendants. He argued that allowing the hearing to continue without proper service would amount to a violation of the constitutional right to a fair hearing.
Counsel representing the 2nd and 3rd defendants, Prof. Ibrahim Abdullahi (SAN), supported the request for adjournment. He urged the court to uphold due process, stressing that every party must be given adequate time to receive and respond to court documents before substantive proceedings begin.
The plaintiff’s counsel, Barrister Mathew Burkaa (SAN), opposed the application. He told the court that he was fully prepared to proceed with the hearing and argued that repeated requests for adjournment had continued to delay the determination of the matter.
After considering the submissions of both legal teams, Justice Gama ruled that justice demanded that every party be properly served before the hearing could continue. The judge said proceeding without proper service would violate the constitutional principle of fair hearing and undermine the integrity of the judicial process.
While granting the adjournment, Justice Gama ordered counsel to the 1st defendant to pay ₦500,000 in costs. He further directed that the plaintiff’s counsel be reimbursed for transportation and other travel-related expenses after presenting valid receipts.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the proceedings, Barrister Jabo said the adjournment became necessary because some of the parties had not yet been served with key court documents.
The matter has now been adjourned until July 22, 2026, when the Federal High Court is expected to resume hearing the leadership dispute.
The outcome of the next hearing is expected to be closely monitored by party members, political observers and stakeholders, as the legal battle continues to shape the future of the ADC’s leadership in Sokoto State.
