Sokoto ADC Leadership Tussle: Court Fixes June 19 for Hearing
By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi
The Federal High Court sitting in Sokoto has adjourned the ongoing legal battle over the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State to June 19, 2026.
Justice Ahmad Gama Mahmud fixed the new date after issues were raised regarding the service of court documents on the defendants.
During proceedings, counsel to the 1st defendant, Dr. Sulaiman Usman SAN, informed the court that the originating processes served on his clients did not bear the necessary signatures of court registry officials, describing the omission as a significant procedural irregularity.
He urged the court to ensure that properly endorsed documents were served to enable the defendants file their responses in accordance with the law.
Counsel for the plaintiffs, Matthew Burkaa SAN, acknowledged the concerns raised while insisting that service had been effected.
Prof. Ibrahim Abdullahi, who represented the 2nd and 3rd defendants, also aligned with the position that the procedural issue should be rectified.
Justice Gama expressed displeasure over the development and questioned how the documents were issued without proper endorsement.
He subsequently directed that the parties be served with duly signed originating processes and cautioned court registry officials against future lapse.
Following compliance with the directive, the court adjourned the matter to June 19 for hearing of the substantive suit.
The case centres on a dispute over the authentic leadership of the ADC in Sokoto State, with the plaintiffs challenging the legitimacy of individuals currently laying claim to the positions of state chairman and secretary.
The plaintiffs had earlier sought an accelerated hearing of the matter, arguing that the dispute should be resolved before the party’s primary elections in order to avoid complications arising from the leadership controversy.
