The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected a challenge from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership, headed by Senator David Mark, regarding Nafiu-Bala Gombe’s request to modify his lawsuit. Gombe, who formerly served as the party’s Deputy National Chairman, initiated the legal action to prevent Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola from acting as the party’s primary leaders.
Represented by his attorney Lukman Fagbemi, Gombe sought to revise his originating summons. This move was strongly contested by Mark and Aregbesola. However, Justice Peter Lifu dismissed their objections, labeling them as baseless and meritless. The judge noted that the amendment was a standard procedural step intended to uphold justice and was largely prompted by Gombe’s recent change in legal counsel.
Justice Lifu clarified that the defense remains free to submit counter-affidavits regarding the updated summons. He found no evidence that the defendants would suffer prejudice if the amendment proceeded. Consequently, the court permitted the change and ordered both Mark and Aregbesola to pay Gombe a fine of N500,000 each.
During the proceedings, legal counsel for the defendants argued that the amendment would unfairly benefit Gombe by altering the nature of the original dispute. They maintained that their appointment followed proper procedures approved by the National Executive Committee and reported to the Independent National Electoral Commission. Despite these arguments, the court ruled that Gombe is entitled to make necessary adjustments to his case prior to a final judgment.
