The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has approached the Court of Appeal, requesting a suspension of legal proceedings in a case brought by former presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu that challenges the party’s current leadership.

The request was made through a motion on notice filed under Order 6 Rule 1 and Order 25 Rules 2 and 3 of the Court of Appeal Rules, 2021.

The applicant, Nkemakolam Ukandu, ADC’s National Welfare Officer, asked the appellate court to stay proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/1331/2025, currently before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

According to Gossip News Now, the motion was submitted by the party’s legal counsel, Kalu Kalu Agu.

Ukandu claimed he has a direct interest in the case and could face significant injustice if the matter continues without giving him the chance to be heard.

He stated, “If the proceedings continue, my civil rights arising from this matter would be decided in my absence, without giving me an opportunity to present my case.”

Ukandu argued that courts cannot adjudicate matters without all necessary parties, emphasizing that any judgment passed without his involvement would be legally defective.

He further told the Court of Appeal, “It would cause serious injustice to allow the lower court proceedings to continue without affording me the right to be heard.”

The motion, filed on November 7, is backed by a 12-paragraph affidavit sworn by Ukandu.

The sixth defendant in the suit had previously petitioned the Chief Judge to transfer the case to a different court, citing bias by Justice Omotosho.

In his petition dated October 31, Ukandu explained that he was joined in the case on October 3 but only received the amended originating processes on October 22, a day before the scheduled hearing.

He said he was surprised when the judge unilaterally reduced the time allowed for filing his defense from the 30 days prescribed by law to just seven days, including a weekend, without any application for such an order.

Ukandu contended that the matter was not urgent, and the judge’s decision violated his constitutional right to a fair hearing.

He stated, “My right to fair hearing has been infringed. I was denied adequate opportunity to submit my defense properly.”

Kachikwu’s lawsuit questions the legitimacy of the current ADC leadership, intensifying internal party disputes.

With Ukandu now seeking a stay of proceedings at the Court of Appeal and alleging bias in the trial court, the ADC leadership crisis appears far from being resolved.

The Court of Appeal is expected to set a date to hear the motion requesting the halt of the ongoing proceedings.