The Federal High Court in Sokoto has adjourned the hearing in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership matter to 22 July 2026.
The adjournment followed an application by the lead counsel for the 1st defendant, Dr Sulaiman Usman (SAN), who was unavoidably absent.
Barrister Salmanu Jabo, who appeared on behalf of Dr Usman, informed the Court that he had authority to hold brief for his principal but not to proceed with the substantive hearing.
He explained that “three pending processes filed before the court had not yet been served on all parties, making an adjournment necessary to ensure everyone had the opportunity to respond.”
Counsel for the 2nd and 3rd defendants, Professor Ibrahim Abdullahi, supported the application, urging the court to grant the request in the interest of justice and fair hearing.
He also referred to Order 26, Rule 4 of the Federal High Court Rules, which provides parties served with court processes seven days to respond.
After considering the submissions, Justice Ahmad Mahmud Gama granted the application and adjourned the matter to 22 July 2026.
The judge emphasised the importance of ensuring that all parties are duly served with court processes to enable them respond appropriately.
“It is correct that all parties must be served so that they can appropriately respond. Failure to do that is a violation of the principle of fair play,” Justice Gama said.
The court also made consequential orders, including the payment of ₦500,000 to the court by counsel for the 1st defendant and reimbursement of the plaintiff’s counsel’s air travel expenses upon presentation of the relevant receipts.
Speaking after the proceedings, Barrister Jabo said “the application for adjournment was made to ensure all parties, particularly the 4th and 5th defendants, were served with the necessary court processes before the hearing continues.”
He confirmed that the matter will resume on 22 July 2026, in line with the court’s directive.
The suit challenges the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State, with the plaintiffs asking the court to determine the rightful chairman and secretary of the party in the state.
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