The leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified as National Chairman Senator David Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola have formally opposed a request by party chieftain Nafiu Bala Gombe to amend his claims in the ongoing lawsuit.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Key points regarding the legal standoff include:

• Proposed Amendment: Gombe, the former Deputy National Chairman, is seeking to amend his originating summons for the third time, arguing that he is legally entitled to update his claims prior to a final judgment.

• Opposition by Leadership:

  • Senator Mark’s legal team argued that the amendment is being sought after the defense has already been filed, asserting that granting it would provide the plaintiff an unfair advantage and result in a miscarriage of justice.

  • Rauf Aregbesola’s counsel contended that the amendments alter the fundamental character of the case and characterized the request as an act of bad faith, noting that it follows a Supreme Court order for an accelerated hearing.

  • Aregbesola further challenged Gombe’s reliance on a newly introduced signed copy of the ADC Constitution, arguing that the original suit was based on an unsigned version.

• Defense of Legitimacy: Aregbesola maintained that the current leadership is legitimate, citing that the National Executive Committee (NEC) approved the changes on July 29, 2025, with due notice provided to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on July 1.

• Next Steps: Justice Lifu has adjourned the matter until July 7, when he is scheduled to rule on whether the plaintiff will be permitted to amend his suit, which aims to restrain Mark and Aregbesola from acting as the party’s leaders.

• France captain Kylian Mbappé made history by becoming the highest goalscorer in World Cup knockout history, reaching a total of 10 goals with his two scores in a 3-0 win against Sweden.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• • Mbappé also reached a total of six goals in the current tournament, tying him with Argentina’s Lionel Messi for the Golden Boot race.

  • Bradley Barcola added the third goal for France in the second half following an assist by Michael Olise.

  • Despite several saves from Swedish goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, France’s offensive pressure proved too much for Sweden to handle.

  • France is set to face Paraguay in Philadelphia this Saturday, following Paraguay’s penalty shootout victory over Germany.

  Mexico Advances Past Ecuador

  • Co-hosts Mexico earned a 2-0 win over Ecuador at the Azteca Stadium, marking their first World Cup knockout stage appearance since 1986.

  • The match, which was delayed by an hour due to a thunderstorm, saw Julian Quinones score the opening goal with a powerful strike, his third of the tournament.

  • Raul Jimenez scored the second goal before halftime after capitalizing on a defensive error by Ecuador’s Joel Ordonez.

  • Ecuador’s struggles were compounded in stoppage time when Piero Hincapie received a red card for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent.

  • Mexico will continue their campaign in Mexico City this Sunday, where they are scheduled to face either England or DR Congo.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a stern warning that it may dismiss a lawsuit filed by Nkemakolam Ukandu, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), against the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, and Justice Peter Lifu. The lawsuit, which accuses the judicial officers of bias and disobedience to court orders, faces potential dismissal for want of diligent prosecution following the failure of both Ukandu and his legal representative to appear in court.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Failed Court Appearance: During the proceedings on Tuesday, counsel for the defendants, J.U.K. Igwe (SAN), noted that neither the plaintiff nor his lawyer was present, marking the second consecutive absence since June 22.

• Legal Challenges: The defense reported that they have been unable to serve legal documents to the plaintiff, as the address provided for his counsel at No. 4 Oyo Street, Garki Area 2, Abuja, could not be found.

• Court Order on Service: Justice Salim Ibrahim granted a motion for substituted service, directing that court processes be pasted at the gate of the provided address. The judge declined to strike out the case immediately, opting to provide the plaintiff another opportunity in the interest of fair hearing.

• Background of the Suit: The dispute is linked to an internal leadership crisis within the ADC. Ukandu, the party’s National Welfare Secretary, alleges that Justice Tsoho and Justice Lifu acted with bias and violated court orders regarding the reassignment of a case concerning the party’s leadership.

The court has adjourned the matter until July 6 for further hearing.