The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned indefinitely a suit over the leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), pending the outcome of an appeal before the Supreme Court.
Justice Emeka Nwite, who presided over the case on Tuesday, said the court was bound to suspend proceedings because the Supreme Court is already reviewing issues related to the court’s jurisdiction.
The judge held that continuing with the matter while a higher court is considering the same issue could render any decision made invalid.
“Jurisdiction is the live wire of any case,” he said, adding that any judgment delivered without jurisdiction would amount to a nullity.
The suit was filed by Nafiu-Bala Gombe, who is challenging the emergence of former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as national leaders of the ADC.
He is asking the court to nullify their appointments and restrain them from acting as party executives.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, lawyers informed the court that the Supreme Court had already scheduled April 22 for hearing of the appeal relating to the dispute.
Following submissions from all parties, including counsel for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the defendants, the judge ruled that it would be inappropriate to continue hearing the case.
Justice Nwite therefore adjourned the matter “sine die” (indefinitely), pending the Supreme Court’s decision.
The decision effectively pauses the ongoing leadership dispute in the ADC until the apex court determines the issue of jurisdiction.
➜ See The Video Now
