Politics
Court Sets May 19 For Trial of Sokoto ADC Leadership Matter
A Federal High Court sitting in Sokoto has adjourned the hearing of a suit challenging the leadership of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in the state to May 19, 2026.
The court, presided over by Justice Ahmad Gama Mahmud, fixed the date on Friday after hearing an application seeking accelerated hearing of the matter due to the urgency of the party’s internal election timetable.
The suit, filed by Umar Faruk and three others, is challenging the leadership structure of the ADC in Sokoto State and seeking to determine the rightful executives of the party.
Lead counsel to the plaintiffs, Mathew Burkaa, SAN, told the court that the dispute centres on the control of the party’s state chapter, particularly the positions of chairman and secretary.
According to him, the plaintiffs are contesting the claims of the defendants, who currently occupy the said positions, insisting that they remain the legitimate leaders of the party in the state.
“That is the crux of the matter before this court,” Burkaa said, maintaining that his clients were duly elected and recognised as the authentic state leadership of the ADC in Sokoto.
He also told the court that the plaintiffs sought an abridgement of time to ensure the matter is resolved before the party’s primary election scheduled for May 21, 2026.
“The motion is asking for an abridgement of time so that the case can be heard expeditiously and concluded before ADC primaries are held here in Sokoto,” he submitted.
Justice Mahmud granted the application, noting the urgency of the case in relation to the party’s electoral timetable, and ordered that the matter proceed on an accelerated basis.
The court also directed the defendants to file their responses within a shortened timeframe ahead of the next adjourned date.
Speaking after the proceedings, counsel to the plaintiffs, Fidelis Mnyim, said the court had set clear timelines for filing processes by both parties to ensure an expedited hearing.
He added that all necessary responses are expected to be filed before the next hearing date.
The case was adjourned to May 19, 2026, for hearing of the substantive suit.
Breaking News
Breaking News: Senate Condemns Attacks on Nigerians, Seeks Guarantees From South Africa
The Senate has warned that Nigeria may review its diplomatic relationship with South Africa if renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians continue.
The warning followed a motion moved by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong over an alleged June 30, 2026, ultimatum issued to Nigerians living in South Africa.
Lawmakers described the development as a serious threat to the safety and livelihoods of Nigerians in the country.
During Tuesday’s plenary, senators condemned the reported attacks on Nigerians and their businesses and urged the Federal Government to seek firm guarantees from the South African authorities for the protection of Nigerian citizens.
Senator Salihu Mustapha called for a stronger response, saying Nigeria should no longer remain silent while its citizens were being attacked.
“We cannot continue to fold our arms while Nigerians are being killed and their businesses looted.”
He added: “This is the starting point for a very robust engagement. I suggest we sever all diplomatic relations with South Africa.”
However, former Senate Leader Yahaya Abdullahi advised against taking immediate drastic action. He argued that the attacks could be linked to efforts to destabilise South Africa’s government rather than being isolated incidents.
According to him, “this is a coordinated effort to destabilise the government of South Africa and to remove the ruling party, the ANC, from office.”
He also urged Nigeria to “tread with great caution” while considering the situation.
After deliberations, the Senate directed the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, to obtain written assurances from the South African government on the safety of Nigerians. It also demanded the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks.
Lawmakers further instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and the Nigerian High Commission to document all cases involving Nigerians who were killed, injured, displaced, unlawfully detained or whose properties were destroyed, with the aim of seeking compensation.
The Senate also called on the Federal Government to work with the African Union and other affected African countries to establish an early warning system and accountability mechanism to prevent future xenophobic attacks.
In addition, the Senate directed its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs to review the implementation of its earlier resolutions on xenophobic attacks and report back within two legislative weeks.
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