The National Legal Adviser of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, has faulted the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, arguing that it contradicts two previous judgments of courts of coordinate jurisdiction that upheld the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party. Osunbor made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, November 5, 2026.

The ADC chieftain expressed concern over what he described as conflicting judgments from courts operating at the same level, noting that the Supreme Court had previously frowned upon such developments. “The Supreme Court itself has frowned at conflicting judgments. Of course, Nigerians have been worried about conflicting judgments by courts of coordinate jurisdiction of the same level,” Osunbor said.

He further maintained that the latest ruling had raised concerns because of the previous judicial decisions concerning the party’s leadership. “So what we have found is that Justice Lifu’s judgment today runs in the face of two existing Federal High Court judgments that upheld the leadership of the David Mark-led National Working Committee,” he stated.

Osunbor added that the existence of the conflicting decisions should be a source of concern, particularly because the issue had allegedly been brought to Justice Lifu’s attention during the court proceedings. “So that should worry us. And this was pointed out to Justice Lifu in the course of the hearings, that this matter has been settled by two Federal High Court judges. David Mark-led NWC has been upheld as valid, but typically he dismissed all those objections,” Osunbor said.

He explained that the matter was initially brought before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, who subsequently directed the ADC to show cause following an ex parte application filed by Bala Gombe. He said, “But it may also interest viewers to know that this case, the origin of this case, this was a case instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe on the 2nd of September last year.

According to Osunbor, Bala Gombe had approached the court seeking recognition as the authentic national chairman of the ADC. “And it was before Honourable Justice Emeka Nwite. Justice Nwite now asked ADC to show cause because he brought a motion ex parte to be declared the authentic chairman of ADC,” he said.

COURTESY: AayeeshaUPDATE