By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto
SOKOTO — The Federal High Court in Sokoto has fixed June 19, 2026, for hearing in a suit challenging the leadership structure of the Sokoto State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The case, which could affect the party’s internal cohesion and future political activities, was adjourned after the court identified procedural irregularities in the service of court documents on the defendants.
During proceedings before Justice Ahmad Gama Mahmud, counsel to the first defendant, Dr. Sulaiman Usman (SAN), argued that the originating processes 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), said the defendants had been served with the relevant documents but acknowledged the concerns over the alleged defects.
Counsel to 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 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 over 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 substantive hearing.
The plaintiffs are challenging what they describe as a takeover of the party structure by the second and third defendants, who are 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 earlier secured 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.
