ADC logo and court gavel
Leadership crisis rocking the Sokoto State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) took another turn on Tuesday as the Federal High Court in Sokoto adjourned proceedings in the matter to June 4, 2026.
The case, which centres on the disputed leadership of the party in the state, was adjourned by Justice Ahmad Gama Mahmud to allow all parties adequate time to respond to court processes already filed before the court.
Justice Mahmud explained that the adjournment became necessary to ensure proper service of court documents on all parties involved in the suit and to guarantee fair hearing in line with the interest of justice.
According to the judge, the forthcoming Sallah celebrations also informed the decision to shift the matter to a later date.
During the proceedings, counsel to the 2nd and 3rd defendants, Prof. Abdullahi Ibrahim, SAN, urged the court to grant an adjournment, arguing that the 1st, 4th and 5th defendants had not been served with the processes filed by his clients.
Prof. Abdullahi further informed the court that the defence had filed additional processes, including a motion challenging the ex-parte order earlier granted by the court on May 8, 2026.
“The order, which was granted, abridged the time for the defendants to file their appearances to seven days, while the counsel is also challenging the suit.
“Justice rushed, is justified crushed, so, the issue of fair hearing must be maintained,” Prof. Abdullahi stated.
Lead counsel to the plaintiffs, Barrister Matthew Burkaa, SAN, while initially opposing the request for adjournment, later agreed that the defendants should be given time to respond to all pending applications before the court.
Also speaking, Barrister A.A. Jabo, who held brief for counsel to the 1st defendant, Barrister Suleiman Usman, SAN, aligned himself with the submissions made by Prof. Abdullahi Ibrahim, SAN.
Following the submissions by all parties, the court fixed June 4, 2026, for continuation of hearing in the suit.
The matter is part of the legal battle challenging the leadership structure of the ADC in Sokoto State.
It would be recalled that the same Federal High Court had earlier adjourned the case on May 8, 2026, to May 19, 2026, after entertaining an application relating to the dispute.
Counsel to the plaintiffs, Barrister Matthew Burkaa, SAN, had previously told the court that there was a “hijack of power” by the 2nd and 3rd defendants, who he alleged were laying claim to the positions of Chairman and Secretary of the ADC in Sokoto State.
