The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday declined to entertain a motion filed by former African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, challenging the recognition of Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as national officers of the party.

Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, dismissed the application, describing it as interlocutory and refusing to nullify any actions taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at this stage.

Kachikwu, through his counsel, Dayo Akinlaja (SAN), had sought an order compelling INEC to withdraw the publication of Mark and Aregbesola’s names as national chairman and secretary, citing a pending substantive suit filed in July. The suit lists INEC, ADC, Chief Ralph Nwosu, Mark, and Aregbesola as the first to fifth defendants.

Akinlaja argued that INEC’s recognition of the duo violated the doctrine of lis pendens and requested an injunction restraining the defendants from further acting as party officers.

Counsel for the ADC, Shaibu Aruwa (SAN), and other defence lawyers opposed the motion, prompting the court to reject it entirely.

Justice Omotosho also granted a joinder application filed by Nkemakolam Ukandu, the ADC deputy national secretary, adding him as a defendant. He directed the plaintiffs to file amended processes within 48 working hours and gave the defence seven days to respond. The case was adjourned to October 23 for hearing.