PDP, ADC Await Supreme Court Verdicts on Leadership Crises Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Supreme Court of Nigeria will today rule on a series of appeals that could significantly impact the fortunes of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 polls.

The court is set to decide four appeals arising from internal leadership disputes within the two opposition parties.

For the PDP, the central issue is whether the outcome of its Ibadan national convention in November 2025 is valid, following earlier court rulings that faulted the process for ignoring directives to include Sule Lamido as a contestant.

For the ADC, the apex court will determine whether courts can intervene in what has been described as internal party affairs and resolve the leadership tussle involving Senator David Mark, Nafiu Bala Gombe, and Temitope Ogga.

The anticipated judgments come a day after a Federal High Court restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising congresses conducted by the Mark-led faction of the ADC.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that only elected state executives have the authority to organise congresses, nullifying actions taken by the caretaker leadership.

The ruling drew varied reactions across political circles. Dumebi Kachikwu described it as a victory against attempts to hijack the party, while Bolaji Abdullahi said the ADC leadership would study the judgment before deciding on next steps.

Legal experts say the timing of the Supreme Court’s decision is critical, warning that unresolved disputes could affect parties’ compliance with electoral timelines.

Idris Faro noted that uncertainty over leadership could hinder ADC’s ability to mobilise support, while Lanre Arogundade suggested the party might struggle to participate in the elections if issues persist.

The appeals were heard on April 22 by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, which reserved judgment after reviewing submissions from all parties.

The PDP factional leadership is seeking to overturn earlier judgments that invalidated its convention, while the ADC case centres on whether judicial intervention in party matters was justified.

The rulings are expected to provide clarity on leadership disputes and determine the political trajectory of both parties ahead of the 2027 elections.

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