Court Blocks Attempt to Halt David Mark–Led ADC Conventions

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday rejected a bid to stop the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Senator David Mark, from holding conventions, congresses, or meetings to elect or ratify members of its executive bodies.

Justice Emeka Nwite, ruling on the ex parte application filed by former ADC Deputy National Chairman Nafiu-Bala Gombe, said granting the motion without hearing all parties would be an overreach.

“I cannot make an order in the absence of the other parties. Justice is tripartite. You cannot shave somebody’s head in his absence,” Justice Nwite explained.

CASE ADJOURNED

The matter was adjourned to February 3, 2026, for respondents to show cause why the court should not grant the reliefs sought by Gombe.

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Gombe had asked the court to restrain the ADC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from conducting or recognizing party activities, arguing that the current leadership under David Mark was acting illegally. The ex parte motion also sought to maintain the status quo in the party’s management pending the determination of a substantive suit.

Justice Nwite noted that similar applications had been refused previously, emphasizing that all parties are already before the court and must be put on notice for a fair hearing.