A Federal High Court sitting in Sokoto has adjourned the ongoing leadership dispute within the state chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) until 4 June 2026.
Presiding Judge, Justice Ahmad Gama Mahmud, ruled that the adjournment was necessary to ensure proper service of court processes on all parties, thereby guaranteeing fair hearing and adequate response time in the interest of justice.
Justice Mahmud also noted that the forthcoming Sallah celebrations necessitated the shift.
Counsel seek adjournment
Lead Counsel for the 2nd and 3rd defendants, Professor Abdullahi Ibrahim, SAN, appealed for the adjournment, arguing that the 1st, 4th, and 5th defendants had not been served with relevant filings from his clients.
Professor Ibrahim further informed the court that his team had filed a motion challenging the ex-parte order granted on 8 May 2026. That order, he explained, abridged the defendants’ time to enter appearances to just seven days.
“Justice rushed is justice crushed. The principle of fair hearing must be upheld,” Professor Ibrahim submitted.
Plaintiffs’ counsel concurs
Lead Counsel for the plaintiffs, Barrister Matthew Burkaa, SAN, initially objected but later agreed that the defendants should be allowed to respond to the processes.
Barrister A. A. Jabo, holding the brief for Barrister Suleiman Usman, SAN (counsel for the 1st defendant), aligned fully with Professor Ibrahim’s submissions.
All counsel subsequently consented to 4 June 2026 as the new date for the legal battle to continue.
Background
The same court had earlier, on Friday 8 May 2026, adjourned the matter to 19 May 2026 for hearing. At that time, Barrister Burkaa informed the court of an alleged “hijack of power” by the 2nd and 3rd defendants, who are purportedly claiming to be the Chairman and Secretary of the ADC’s Sokoto State chapter.
The case continues on 4 June.
