Supreme Court Holds PDP, ADC Future in Balance as Judgment Delay Raises Ballot Fears

Nigeria’s Supreme Court has reserved judgment in a politically sensitive set of appeals involving leadership crises in the PDP and ADC, a development that could directly shape party control and even determine ballot access ahead of future elections.

After hearing arguments from all sides, the apex court did not announce a date for its ruling, leaving both parties in legal and political uncertainty.

In the PDP, earlier Federal High Court rulings in Abuja invalidated the Ibadan convention that produced Kabiru Turaki as national chairman and upheld suspensions of senior officials, including Samuel Anyanwu and A.K. Ajibade (SAN). The Court of Appeal affirmed those decisions.

The faction aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, which is recognised by INEC, currently maintains control of the party structure pending final determination by the Supreme Court.

The ADC faces a more precarious situation. None of its three competing factions—led by Senator David Mark, Nafiu Bala Gombe, and Ogga Temitope—is currently recognised by INEC, placing the party’s electoral future in question.

With all political parties required to submit membership registers to INEC by May 10, failure to comply could bar participation in the 2027 general elections. Analysts warn that if the Supreme Court does not rule within weeks, the ADC risks being effectively shut out of the ballot.

Following the hearing, the Turaki-led PDP faction expressed confidence in the judiciary.

“All parties adopted their respective processes,” said spokesperson Ini Ememobong, noting that judgment had been reserved.

“We charge all true and uncompromised PDP members to keep their faith alive,” he said, adding that the party remained hopeful the court would protect Nigeria’s multi-party system.

In the ADC case, Bolaji Abdullahi of the Mark-led faction said the group expects a favourable outcome.

“We are optimistic… the Supreme Court is mindful of the exigency of the moment,” he said.

The dispute before the court stems from Senator David Mark’s appeal against a March 12 Court of Appeal ruling, which he argues wrongly interfered in what he describes as internal party affairs.

Respondents, including INEC and rival faction leaders, are asking the court to dismiss the appeal, insisting the lower courts acted within jurisdiction.

INEC has already withdrawn recognition of Mark and Aregbesola from its official portal, citing earlier rulings, while maintaining neutrality pending final judicial resolution.

Meanwhile, the ADC has vowed to proceed with its planned national convention despite the ongoing legal uncertainty, even as a related Federal High Court case has been adjourned indefinitely pending the Supreme Court’s decision.

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