ADC, PDP Leadership Crises Head To Supreme Court As Judgments Loom Today
Supreme Court Rules on Party Leadership Disputes as ADC, PDP Await Verdicts
Judgments Scheduled in High-Stakes Political Appeals
The Supreme Court of Nigeria is set to deliver judgments today in two major political disputes involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), both of which have been embroiled in leadership crises ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Court records show that the cases, listed under political appeals, are scheduled for Thursday, April 30, 2026. The ADC matter (SC/CV/180/2026) is fixed for 2:00 p.m., while the time for the PDP judgment remains uncertain.
The impending rulings have intensified political anxiety, as party stakeholders await clarity on who holds legitimate control of their structures.
ADC Leadership Crisis Before the Apex Court
The ADC appeal stems from a prolonged internal struggle between factions led by former Senate President David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe.
Mark is challenging a 12th March Court of Appeal ruling that ordered parties to maintain the status quo in the leadership dispute, arguing that the matter is strictly internal and not subject to judicial interference.
His legal team also warned that delays in judgment could jeopardize the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections, claiming that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had acted on earlier rulings affecting the party’s leadership recognition.
They further argued that the ADC risks exclusion from the electoral process if the dispute remains unresolved, stressing urgency in the court’s decision.
Pressure Mounts Ahead of Verdict
Counsel to the ADC had earlier written to the Chief Justice of Nigeria requesting accelerated judgment, warning that millions of supporters could be disenfranchised if the matter drags on.
The Supreme Court panel, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, had reserved judgment after hearing arguments on 22 April.
The ruling expected today is seen as potentially decisive for the party’s future direction.
Separate Federal High Court Judgment Adds to Political Tension
Court Restrains INEC and Limits ADC Caretaker Authority
In a related development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has barred INEC from recognising or participating in any congress organised by committees set up by the David Mark-led ADC leadership.
Delivering judgment in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/581/2026, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that state executive committees retain constitutional authority to conduct congresses, not caretaker leadership structures.
The court also restrained the Mark-led faction from interfering with the tenure of elected state executives, affirming that their mandate remains valid pending proper congresses.
Court Affirms Party Constitutional Structure
The judge held that neither the Nigerian Constitution nor the ADC constitution empowered caretaker leadership to override elected state organs.
She ruled that political parties must adhere to democratic principles as required under Section 223 of the 1999 Constitution, emphasizing that courts can intervene when internal party actions violate constitutional provisions.
The judgment effectively nullified any congress process initiated by the caretaker committee and reinforced the authority of existing elected structures.
