The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, declined to grant an application seeking to stop African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Sen. David Mark, from holding congress.
Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling on the motion ex-parte filed by Nafiu-Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of ADC, and moved by his lawyer, Michael Agber, held that the respondents should be put on notice in the interest of justice.
“I have listened to the submission of the learned counsel for the applicant and have also gone through the affidavit evidence with exhibits thereto along with the written address.
“It is not in dispute that this honourable court made an order for the defendants/respondents in this suit to show cause why the interim order restraining them in acting as leaders of the 1st defendant (ADC) should not be made on 4th September, 2025.
“It is not in dispute that the parties have exchanged processes in the said order waiting for hearing of the said application.
“It is also not in dispute that the present application is an off-shoot of the substantive matter of the said application.
“It is not in dispute that all the parties are already before this court.
“Hence, any ex-parte application without a notice to the other parties will be overreaching.
“Hence, the interest of justice will be met by putting the other parties on notice.
“Consequently, the application is refused,” Justice Nwite ruled.
The judge then adjourned the matter until Feb. 3, 2026 for the respondents to show cause.
