ADC leadership crisis: Sokoto court fixes June 19 for hearing

The Federal High Court in Sokoto has scheduled June 19, 2026, to hear a lawsuit challenging the leadership arrangement of the Sokoto State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The case, which centres on the party’s leadership in the state, could have implications for the ADC’s internal operations and political activities if the court rules on the disputed structure.

At the proceedings before Justice Ahmad Gama Mahmud, the matter was adjourned after concerns were raised about the manner in which court documents were served on the defendants.

Counsel to the first defendant, Dr. Sulaiman Usman (SAN), told the court that the originating processes received by his client were not properly endorsed by officials of the court registry.

According to the defence lawyer, the alleged omission raises questions about the validity of the documents and whether the service complied with the required legal procedures.

“The right thing should be done to enable us to respond appropriately. What happened is a clear procedural error,” Usman told the court.

Lead counsel to the plaintiffs, Barrister Mathew Burkaa (SAN), said the defendants had been served with the relevant documents but acknowledged the concerns over the alleged defects.

Counsel to the second and third defendants, Prof. Ibrahim Abdullahi, also urged the court to ensure strict compliance with due process.

Justice Mahmud questioned how unsigned or improperly endorsed documents were served on parties and directed that duly signed originating processes be served immediately.

“But how come they were not served properly? I am surprised,” the judge remarked.

The court also reprimanded registry officials over what it described as an avoidable administrative lapse and warned against a recurrence.

After the corrected documents were served on all parties, the court adjourned the matter to June 19, 2026, for substantive hearing.

The plaintiffs are challenging what they describe as a takeover of the party structure by the second and third defendants, who are claiming the positions of Chairman and Secretary of the ADC in Sokoto State.

“Our clients are the rightful Chairman and Secretary of the ADC. That is the crux of the matter before this court,” Burkaa said.

The plaintiffs had earlier secured an order shortening the time for the defendants to file responses, arguing that the dispute required urgent resolution before the party’s primary election processes.

Legal observers say the outcome of the case could have significant implications for the ADC’s organisational stability in Sokoto and reflects the continuing role of the judiciary in resolving internal party disputes in Nigeria.

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