The Supreme Court of Nigeria is set to deliver a crucial judgment today on the leadership crises rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a decision widely seen as pivotal to the configuration of opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The rulings, scheduled for 2 p.m., follow the conclusion of hearings on April 22 by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba. The cases—marked SC/CV/180/2026 (ADC) and SC/CV/166/2026 (PDP)—stem from appeals challenging earlier decisions of lower courts on internal leadership disputes.
Ahead of the verdict, leaders within the ADC reportedly convened a late-night strategy meeting to assess possible outcomes and determine their next steps, particularly as the party is being positioned as a major platform for an opposition coalition.
However, fresh legal complications emerged on Wednesday when a Federal High Court in Abuja restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising congresses conducted by a faction of the ADC leadership. The court also barred key figures, including former Senate President David Mark, from interfering with the tenure of elected state executives.
In response, Mark expressed confidence in the party’s legal position, assuring members that the ADC would overcome ongoing litigations and participate fully in the 2027 elections. He confirmed that the party’s legal team has initiated an appeal and applied for a stay of execution.
The leadership tussle within the ADC centres on rival factions, with Mark challenging an earlier Court of Appeal ruling that ordered parties to maintain the status quo. Opposing parties, including the electoral commission and other stakeholders, have argued that the lower court acted within its jurisdiction.
Within the PDP, tensions also remain high, with rival camps aligned to Seyi Makinde and Nyesom Wike expected to be present at the court for the judgment.
The urgency surrounding the Supreme Court’s decision is heightened by the electoral timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission. Political parties are required to submit their membership registers by May 10, while party primaries are scheduled to run from April 23 to May 30, 2026.
Presidential and National Assembly elections are slated for January 16, 2027, with governorship and state assembly elections to follow on February 6.
Legal representatives of the ADC had earlier warned that any delay in delivering judgment could jeopardise the party’s participation in the elections, citing the risk of exclusion from the ballot and potential disenfranchisement of its supporters.
The outcome of today’s rulings is expected to significantly influence the internal stability of both parties and shape the broader political landscape as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 polls.
Post comments (0)