By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto
SOKOTO: The leadership dispute rocking the Sokoto State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) took another turn on Friday as the Federal High Court in Sokoto adjourned proceedings in the matter to July 13, 2026, for substantive hearing after ruling on a series of interlocutory applications filed by parties in the suit.
The case, which centres on the lingering leadership tussle within the opposition party, came up before Justice Ahmad Mahmud Gama, who had earlier adjourned the matter on June 4 to June 19 for hearing.
Proceedings on Friday witnessed extensive legal arguments lasting several hours, culminating in the court delivering rulings on three separate applications brought by counsel to the first defendant.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the court session, lead counsel to the first defendant, Barrister Sulaiman Usman, SAN, explained that the applications covered an extension of time, issues relating to the mode of commencement of the suit, and a request for the plaintiff to provide further particulars to support allegations contained in court filings.
According to him, the application seeking extension of time was granted during the morning session, while the remaining motions were determined after the court stood down for about four hours to consider submissions from both parties.
“There were three applications before the court. The first was a housekeeping application for extension of time, which was granted earlier in the day,” Usman said.
“On the second issue, which related to the originating process, the court considered arguments from both sides. Although we sought to distinguish existing judicial authorities, particularly the Supreme Court decision in the case involving the Government of Kano State and the EFCC, the court held that making a determination at this stage could amount to deciding substantive issues already embedded in the main suit.”
He noted that the court consequently declined the request and dismissed the motion.
The senior advocate, however, expressed satisfaction with the ruling on the third application, which sought an order compelling the plaintiff to provide additional details regarding allegations made in the suit.
“We were able to demonstrate paragraph by paragraph that certain allegations lacked sufficient particulars to enable us properly understand the case against us and prepare an adequate response,” he said.
“Where facts are alleged without adequate particulars, the interest of justice requires that those details be supplied. The court agreed with our position and ordered the plaintiff to furnish the required particulars within seven days.”
Usman further disclosed that the defendants would have three days thereafter to file their response, while the plaintiff would be entitled to an additional two days should any fresh issues arise.
“The application was granted substantially as prayed, and the matter has now been adjourned to July 13 for hearing,” he added.
The defence counsel commended the court for what he described as a fair and balanced ruling.
“I am grateful to the court for the ruling,” he stated.
On his part, lead counsel to the plaintiff, Barrister Mathew Burkaa, SAN, welcomed the decision and pledged compliance with the court’s directive.
“We are grateful for the ruling and will comply fully by providing the further particulars ordered by the court,” Burkaa said.
Also reacting, counsel to the second and third defendants, Barrister Shamsudeen A. Dauda, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, particularly the order directing the plaintiff to furnish additional particulars.
The adjournment means that parties in the closely watched intra-party dispute will return to court on July 13, when substantive proceedings are expected to commence in what political observers see as a significant case with implications for the future leadership structure of the ADC in Sokoto State.
