Court suspends Nafiu Bala’s suit against David Mark-led ADC leadership pending Supreme Court determination

A Federal High Court in Abuja has put on hold, indefinitely, a suit filed by Nafiu Bala challenging the leadership structure of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing the need to await a pending Supreme Court decision on a related appeal.

Delivering the ruling on Tuesday, Justice Emeka Nwite held that continuing with the case while an interlocutory appeal is before the apex court would be inappropriate, noting that the outcome could resolve the core issues before the trial court.

The judge described proceeding under such circumstances as unjustifiable, stressing that the Supreme Court’s decision could determine whether the lower court retains jurisdiction to continue hearing the matter.

The suit, filed by Bala, a former deputy national chairman of the ADC, questions the legitimacy of the party’s current leadership structure led by David Mark and seeks recognition of himself as acting national chairman.

He also asked the court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the Mark-led executives and to halt party activities such as meetings and conventions until the case is resolved.

The case names the ADC, David Mark, national secretary Rauf Aregbesola, INEC, and party founder Ralph Nwosu as defendants.

Bala’s claim is rooted in his assertion that he did not resign his position as vice chairman and that party constitutional provisions should place him in line to assume leadership after Nwosu’s exit.

Tensions around the case escalated after the Mark-led faction challenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, prompting a series of appeals. While the Court of Appeal dismissed that challenge in March 2026 and ordered parties to maintain the status quo, the dispute later moved to the Supreme Court following further appeals.

The apex court has since granted accelerated hearing on the matter and issued tight timelines for filing and exchange of legal arguments.

At Tuesday’s hearing, counsel to Bala urged the court to pause proceedings until the Supreme Court delivers its ruling on the related appeal. Lawyers representing the ADC and the Mark-led faction opposed the request, arguing that the trial court could continue hearing substantive issues.

However, Justice Nwite agreed that proceeding while the Supreme Court is considering jurisdictional questions would be premature. He ruled that the lower court should step aside until the apex court concludes its review.

The matter has now been adjourned indefinitely, pending the outcome of the Supreme Court proceedings.