Judge halts Nafiu Bala suit indefinitely pending Supreme Court decision on David Mark appeal

A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned indefinitely a suit filed by Nafiu Bala challenging the leadership of the African Democratic Congress. The presiding judge, Emeka Nwite, ruled that the court would await the outcome of a pending appeal before the Supreme Court. The judge said proceeding with the matter while the appeal is ongoing could undermine the judicial process.

The suit lists the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and the party’s founder, Ralph Nwosu, as defendants. Nafiu Bala is seeking recognition as acting national chairman, insisting he did not resign and should have succeeded to the position following the exit of Ralph Nwosu.

The case follows a series of legal disputes, including a Court of Appeal ruling that dismissed an earlier challenge by David Mark and directed parties to maintain the status quo. The Independent National Electoral Commission later announced it would not recognise factions led by David Mark or Nafiu Bala. The dispute has since moved to the Supreme Court, where a panel led by Mohammed Garba has scheduled an accelerated hearing of the appeal.

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At the resumed hearing, counsel to Nafiu Bala, Lukman Fagbemi, urged the court to suspend proceedings pending the Supreme Court decision, while other parties argued the case could continue. In his ruling, Justice Emeka Nwite held that the interest of justice would be best served by awaiting the apex court’s decision and subsequently adjourned the matter indefinitely.