The protracted leadership crisis within the Adamawa State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a legal twist as the embattled chairman, Shehu Yohanna Kambile, heads to court to challenge his removal from office.
At the resumed sitting on Monday, Justice Benjamin Manji of the Adamawa State High Court IX presided over proceedings in the case filed by Shehu Yohanna Kambile, seeking judicial redress over what they described as their unlawful and premature removal before the expiration of their four-year tenure.
The lawsuit, which has drawn attention within the party and beyond, lists several prominent figures as defendants, including Ambassador Umar Sulaiman, Sadiq Dasin, Saidu Komsiri, Babachir David Lawal, the National Working Committee (NWC), and Senator David Mark.
Speaking to journalists after the court session, counsel to the plaintiffs, Yakubu Philemon (SAN), explained that the case came up for mention, allowing the court to hear the plaintiffs’ motion seeking an interim injunction to restrain the defendants from parading themselves as the legitimate state executives of the ADC pending determination of the suit.
“The defendants, through their counsel, filed a preliminary objection and other processes, including a motion on notice to halt proceedings. However, the court ruled that all applications will be taken together. It further directed the defendants to file their statement of defence so that both the objection and the substantive suit can be heard on the next adjourned date,” Philemon stated.
According to him, the matter has been adjourned by mutual agreement of both counsels to November 20, 2025, for the hearing of all pending applications and the substantive case.
On his part, Dr. Emen Effiong, counsel representing the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th defendants, confirmed the filing of a notice of preliminary objection, arguing that the case falls within the internal affairs of the party and therefore lies outside the jurisdiction of the court.
“This is an internal party dispute. The court, in our view, should not interfere in such matters. Nonetheless, we are not opposed to an accelerated hearing so that the ADC can resolve its leadership issues and move forward,” Effiong said.
He stressed that the defence was not attempting to stall proceedings but was committed to ensuring due legal process. The court directed the defence to file its response within three days.
Meanwhile, tension continues to mount within the Adamawa ADC as both factions dig in for a legal showdown over the control of the party structure in the state. With the general election year drawing closer, stakeholders fear the internal wrangling could weaken the party’s chances if not resolved promptly.
For embattled Chairman Shehu Yohanna Kambile, the courtroom now represents the last avenue to reclaim his mandate and restore what he insists is his legitimate tenure as the duly elected leader of the ADC in Adamawa State.
