Justice Peter Odo Lifu of the Abuja Federal High Court has officially dismissed an opposition filed by African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Chairman David Mark against Nafiu Bala Gombe. Gombe had requested to modify his claims within an ongoing legal battle concerning the party’s leadership.
During Friday’s proceedings, the judge characterized the objections raised by Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola as meritless and trivial. Justice Lifu explained that allowing the plaintiff to adjust his suit is a standard procedure in civil litigation intended to prevent a miscarriage of justice, noting that the changes were primarily driven by a transition in legal counsel.
The court granted Gombe’s request for amendments and ordered Mark and Aregbesola to pay a penalty of N500,000 to the plaintiff. Justice Lifu clarified that the defendants maintain the right to submit counter-affidavits regarding the updated summons. He emphasized that the defendants failed to demonstrate how these adjustments would cause them any genuine prejudice.
Gombe, the former Deputy National Chairman, initiated this suit to challenge the legitimacy of the current ADC leadership, including Mark and Aregbesola, arguing that their appointment violated both the party constitution and the Electoral Act. While the defense argued that these amendments were an attempt to introduce new evidence after realizing the strength of the existing defense, the court found their claims of bad faith unpersuasive.
The defendants had previously argued that the leadership changes were fully compliant with legal requirements, including proper notification to the Independent National Electoral Commission. However, the court has now permitted the plaintiff to move forward with his revised case.
