Court Fixes June 19 for ADC Leadership Case in Sokoto

The Federal High Court in Sokoto has adjourned a case challenging the leadership structure of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state to June 19, 2026.

The Federal High Court in Sokoto has fixed June 19, 2026, for the hearing of a suit contesting the leadership structure of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State, following procedural concerns raised during proceedings.

The case was adjourned after the court identified irregularities in the service of originating court documents on the defendants, raising questions about compliance with proper legal procedures.

During the sitting before Justice Ahmad Gama Mahmud, counsel to the first defendant, Dr Sulaiman Usman (SAN), argued that the documents served on his client were not properly endorsed by court registry officials, making their validity questionable.

“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 to the plaintiffs, Barrister Mathew Burkaa (SAN), confirmed that the defendants had been served but acknowledged concerns over the alleged defects in the documents.

Counsel representing the second and third defendants, Prof Ibrahim Abdullahi, also urged the court to ensure full compliance with due process in handling the matter.

Justice Mahmud questioned how improperly endorsed documents were served and ordered that properly signed originating processes be re-served immediately. He expressed surprise over the procedural lapse and criticised the administrative handling of the filings.

Following compliance with the court’s directive and re-service of the corrected documents, the matter was adjourned to June 19, 2026, for substantive hearing.

The plaintiffs are challenging what they describe as an alleged takeover of the ADC leadership structure in Sokoto State by the second and third defendants, who claim to hold the positions of Chairman and Secretary.

“Our clients are the rightful Chairman and Secretary of the ADC. That is the crux of the matter before this court,” Burkaa stated.

Earlier, the plaintiffs had obtained an order shortening the time for responses from the defendants, arguing that the dispute needed urgent determination ahead of the party’s primary election activities.

Legal observers say the outcome of the case could have significant implications for the internal stability of the ADC in Sokoto State, as well as broader questions around judicial intervention in political party disputes in Nigeria.

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