Call for Judicial Resignation Amid Leadership Dispute in African Democratic Congress
In an unfolding legal drama, Judge Peter Riff of the Federal High Court in Abuja is set to begin expedited hearings today concerning the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), currently spearheaded by Senator David Mark. The case highlights significant tensions within the party, as allegations of corruption and judicial bias loom large.
Last week, Judge Riff mandated all parties involved to submit relevant documents ahead of the proceedings, leading to the anticipated hearing today, June 8. Meanwhile, ADC member Nkemakolam Ukandu has urged the judge to recuse himself from the case, citing pending allegations against him and the Chief Justice of the Federal High Court before the National Judicial Council (NJC).
Ukandu, who serves as the ADC Welfare Secretary, outlined his reasons for the motion, indicating concerns about corruption, abuse of judicial power, and bias involving both Justice John Tsoho and Justice Peter Riff. This request follows closely on the heels of a lawsuit filed against the NJC and the presiding judges—accusations include disobedience to Supreme Court orders and evident bias.
The urgency of this matter has escalated within a short time frame. Just 72 hours prior, ADC’s national secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, lodged a similar suit seeking Riff’s resignation from the leadership case, citing a lack of confidence in the judges’ impartiality. He underscored in a notice filed by his attorney, Sheriff Mohammed, the constitutionally guaranteed right to an independent and fair hearing for all litigants.
Additionally, an ADC National Vice Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, requested the court to prevent Mark’s leadership from claiming authority until the case is resolved, aiming to bar the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing Mark’s leadership during this period. Justice Emeka Nwite issued an order requiring Gombe to formally notify the defendants, enabling them to respond in court.
However, rather than comply with the court’s order, the defendants appealed the jurisdiction of the trial court, characterizing the dispute as an internal party matter. The Court of Appeal dismissed this appeal as lacking merit, mandating that the case be expedited. Frustrated, Mark has since sought relief from the Supreme Court to overturn decisions maintaining the status quo and to assert that the lower courts erred in treating the leadership challenge as a purely internal matter.
ADC Asserts Commitment to Autonomy Amid Political Landscape
In parallel developments within the ADC, National Publicity Secretary Malam Bolaji Abdullahi has reassured party members that there are no plans to merge with other political entities to secure electoral victories. Speaking in Ilorin during Eid El Kabir celebrations, Abdullahi, a former Minister, emphasized that while the party is open to alliances grounded in similar ideologies, it intends to maintain its independent identity.
Abdullahi highlighted the ADC’s ongoing commitment to selecting credible candidates for upcoming positions, ranging from the House of Representatives to governorship races. He remarked that the party’s membership is growing daily, reinforcing its readiness for the election cycle ahead. Additionally, he expressed openness to accepting individuals from other parties seeking to align with the ADC.
As economic challenges and security concerns rise in Nigeria, Abdullahi has called on voters to support the ADC in the looming 2027 general elections, presenting the party as a viable solution to pressing national issues. He underscored the urgent need to combat increasing incidents of crime and insecurity, stressing that the current leadership has exacerbated the hardship faced by many Nigerians.
Abdullahi urged both party members and the public to mobilize efforts towards securing an electoral victory for the ADC in 2027, assuring them of the party’s capacity to bring about meaningful change. With a pledge of integrity from their candidates, he reaffirmed that none have been previously implicated in corruption charges by the EFCC, emphasizing the party’s commitment to ethical governance.
