The Supreme Court of Nigeria has adjourned the hearing of the leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress to April 22, directing parties to file outstanding briefs.
At the proceedings, the court noted that parties were not ready to proceed, particularly as the appellant failed to file a brief on the issue of jurisdiction.
“The court emphasised the need for diligence, given the peculiar nature of the matter,” a source at the hearing said.
The appellant, linked to David Mark, was ordered to file its brief within three days, while counsel to the first respondent, Nafiu Gombe, was granted five days to respond.
Despite the pending suit, the ADC on Tuesday went ahead with its national convention in Abuja under heavy security, with delegates gathering to elect members of the National Working Committee.
Security operatives from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services were deployed at the venue, conducting strict checks on participants.
The convention followed days of uncertainty and controversy over venue arrangements.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, had earlier alleged that the management of the Rainbow Event Centre came under pressure to cancel the booking.
“The management informed us of threats from authorities to stop the event,” Abdullahi claimed, alleging that the pressure was coming from the Federal Capital Development Authority and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Similarly, party chieftain Dino Melaye had alleged last-minute attempts to frustrate the convention.
“There were deliberate efforts to stop us from holding this convention, including challenges with securing venues, but we stood our ground,” he said.
The ADC has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership dispute, with rival factions laying claim to its structure, prompting intervention by the Independent National Electoral Commission, which suspended recognition of its leadership pending judicial resolution.
The outcome of the Supreme Court case will be critical in determining the legitimacy of the party’s leadership and decisions taken at the convention.