The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Tuesday as a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the party to suspend its planned national convention.
In a ruling delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, the court directed the party to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the hearing and determination of a suit filed by seven aggrieved members.
The plaintiffs, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/581/2026, said they instituted the case on behalf of themselves, as well as all ADC State Chairmen and State Executive Committees.
Those behind the suit include Don Norman Obinna, Johnny Tovie Derek, Obah Ehigiator, Hon. Olona Yinka, Dr. Charles Idowu Omideji, Samuel Pan Gyang, and Obianyo Patrick.
In the case, the ADC is listed as the first defendant, alongside key party figures such as David Mark, Patrick Akwashiki, Bolaji Abdullahi, Rauf Aregbesola, Oserheimen Osunbor, as well as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case to April 23 for a definite hearing and directed all parties to file the necessary processes to enable swift resolution of the matter. She also ruled that all pending applications would be considered alongside the substantive suit, as they are based on affidavit evidence.
The court further ordered all parties to refrain from taking any actions that could undermine the proceedings.
“I order that all parties maintain the status quo and refrain from further steps that may render the court’s proceedings ineffective,” the judge ruled.
The development comes as the Supreme Court of Nigeria fixed April 22 to hear an appeal relating to the ADC leadership crisis.Nigerian investment opportunities
A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, adjourned the appeal to allow the faction led by Senator Mark to file and serve legal documents on all respondents within 24 hours.
The appeal seeks to overturn an earlier Court of Appeal judgment that also directed the party to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of another suit filed by aggrieved members led by Nafiu-Bala Gombe.