ADC logo and court gavel
A Federal High Court sitting in Sokoto has fixed May 19, 2026, for the hearing of a leadership dispute rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state, as tensions heighten ahead of the party’s primaries scheduled for May 21.
The case, which was brought before Justice Ahmad Gama Mahmud on Friday, centers on claims of legitimacy between rival factions within the Sokoto chapter of the ADC.
One of the factional chairmen of the party, Umar Faruok, approached the court seeking clarification and authentication of the party’s authentic leadership structure in the state.
Counsel to the plaintiff, Mathew Burkaa (SAN), who moved the ex parte motion, accused certain individuals of illegally taking control of the party’s leadership in Sokoto.
In his submission before the court, Burkaa requested an abridgment of time to enable the defendants respond swiftly to the suit because of the approaching primary elections.
According to him, “There is a hijack of power by the second and third defendants who are parading themselves as the Chairman and Secretary of the party in Sokoto State.
“That is the major issue before this honourable court. We are contending that our clients remain the authentic Chairman and Secretary of the ADC in Sokoto State.”
Burkaa further argued that the urgency of the matter was necessary to prevent further confusion within the party before the conduct of the primaries.
“The essence of this application is to allow the matter to be heard expeditiously so that the issue of leadership can be properly settled before the ADC primaries are conducted in Sokoto State,” he submitted.
Delivering his ruling, Justice Mahmud granted the application for accelerated hearing, stressing that time was of great importance considering the political timetable of the party.
The judge subsequently directed all parties involved to file the necessary court processes within the stipulated timeframe ahead of the adjourned date.
Also speaking after the proceedings, counsel to the plaintiffs, Fidelis Mnyim, confirmed that the court had approved a shortened timeline for the defendants to file their responses.
“The court abridged the time for the defendants to file their responses and adjourned the case to May 19, 2026, for hearing of the substantive matter,” Mnyim stated.
He added that the court expects all parties to submit their defence processes, including replies where necessary, before the next hearing to ensure smooth and comprehensive proceedings.
