The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has petitioned Nigeria’s Court of Appeal to halt legal proceedings in a lawsuit initiated by its former presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, who is challenging the party’s current leadership structure.
ADC National Welfare Officer Nkemakolam Ukandu filed the motion under the Court of Appeal Rules 2021. The application seeks an immediate stay of proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/1331/2025 before Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Ukandu asserted he holds significant interest in the case. He warned that continuing proceedings without his participation would cause grave injustice. “My civil rights would be determined without affording me hearing opportunity,” Ukandu stated in court documents.
The applicant emphasized that courts cannot properly adjudicate matters without necessary parties present. He argued any judgment rendered while excluding defendants would be fundamentally defective.
The motion, supported by a 12-paragraph affidavit, follows Ukandu’s earlier petition requesting case transfer. He accused Justice Omotosho of bias after being given only seven days to prepare his defense instead of the standard 30 days.
Ukandu received amended court documents on October 22, just one day before the hearing date. He contends the rushed timeline violated constitutional fair hearing rights, especially since the case lacks urgent time constraints.
Kachikwu’s lawsuit challenges ADC’s leadership legitimacy, intensifying internal party divisions. The Court of Appeal will schedule a hearing for the stay-of-proceedings motion soon.
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