Court postpones Sokoto ADC leadership case to June 19

By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO — The Federal High Court in Sokoto has scheduled a hearing for the suit that contests the leadership structure of the Sokoto State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on June 19, 2026.

The case, which could influence the party’s internal cohesion and future political activities, was adjourned after the court found procedural irregularities in the service of court documents to the defendants.

During the proceedings before Justice Ahmad Gama Mahmud, counsel for the first defendant, Dr. Sulaiman Usman (SAN), argued that the originating processes served on his client were not properly endorsed by court registry officials, calling their validity into question.

“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 for the plaintiffs, Barrister Mathew Burkaa (SAN), acknowledged that the defendants had been served with the relevant documents but noted concerns over alleged defects.

Counsel for 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 the 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 for 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 a substantive hearing.

The plaintiffs contend that the second and third defendants are attempting to seize control of the party structure by 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 previously obtained 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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