Senator David Mark, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola have formally challenged an attempt by party member Nafiu Bala Gombe to revise claims in a standing leadership dispute. Representing their interests before Justice Peter Lifu at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the pair argued that permitting these amendments would compromise legal fairness.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Gombe’s legal representative, Lukman Fagbemi (SAN), requested to modify the originating summons regarding the legitimacy of the defendants’ recent appointments. Gombe stated this is the third time he has sought such changes, asserting his legal right to refine his claims before a final verdict is reached. His application cited eight specific grounds to support the adjustments.
Dr. Suleiman Umar, legal counsel for Senator Mark, countered by arguing that the plaintiff is seeking an unfair advantage after reviewing the strength of the existing defense. Meanwhile, Aregbesola’s lawyer, Rewan Okpanachi, claimed the amendments fundamentally alter the nature of the case. Aregbesola maintained that the leadership transition on July 29, 2025, followed all constitutional protocols, including proper notification of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Aregbesola further alleged that Gombe is attempting to introduce new documents, such as a signed version of the party’s constitution, to rectify flaws in his previous filings. He labeled the move an abuse of court process, especially following a Supreme Court order for an expedited trial. Justice Lifu has reserved his ruling on the application until July 7.
The underlying lawsuit aims to prevent Mark and Aregbesola from acting as party leaders, with Gombe alleging that their appointments violated both the ADC Constitution and the Electoral Act. The litigation involves the ADC, INEC, and former chairman Ralph Nwosu as additional parties.
