Supreme Court Reserves Judgment in PDP and ADC Leadership Crises
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has reserved judgment in the appeals and cross-appeals concerning the leadership crises within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC). After hearing arguments from all parties involved, the apex court did not announce a date for its rulings, leaving both parties in a state of uncertainty with significant implications for their political futures.
PDP Leadership Crisis
According to reports, the PDP has already experienced shifts in its leadership due to earlier court decisions. The Ibadan convention that produced Kabiru Turaki as national chairman was nullified, while the suspension of key officials was upheld. Consequently, the PDP national executive, backed by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, remains recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) until the Supreme Court delivers its verdict. The Turaki faction expressed confidence in the judiciary, with National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong stating, 'We charge all true and uncompromised PDP members to keep their faith alive.' He added that the party hopes the court will preserve multi-party democracy and prevent the rise of a one-party state.
ADC Faces Ballot Deadline
The ADC's situation is more precarious. None of its three factions—led by Senator David Mark, Nafiu Bala Gombe, and Ogga Temitope—is recognized by INEC. With all registered parties required to submit membership registers by May 10, failure to resolve the leadership dispute within 18 days could mean the ADC will not be eligible to sponsor candidates in the 2027 general elections. Senator David Mark's faction filed appeal SC/CV/180/2026, challenging a March 12 Court of Appeal ruling. Mark argued that the appellate court exceeded its jurisdiction by ordering maintenance of the status quo ante bellum in a dispute he described as an internal party matter. His legal team, led by Jubril Okutepa, SAN, insisted that courts should not interfere in the domestic affairs of political parties.
Respondents and INEC's Position
Respondents, including Nafiu Bala Gombe and former ADC chairman Ralph Nwosu, urged the Supreme Court to dismiss the appeal. INEC removed Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as ADC chairman and secretary on April 1, citing the appellate court's judgment. The commission stated it would not recognize any faction until the dispute is resolved.
Optimism Among ADC Factions
Despite INEC's stance, ADC factions remain hopeful. Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesperson for the Mark-led group, said, 'We are optimistic with the fact that the things came up quickly and the Supreme Court is mindful of the exigency of the moment. We are optimistic that their ruling will be in record time and quite optimistic of the ruling going in our favour.'
What Lies Ahead
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court has adjourned related proceedings indefinitely, noting that continuing while the Supreme Court appeal is pending would amount to 'judicial rascality.' For the PDP, the Supreme Court's ruling will determine whether Wike's faction retains control or whether suspended officials regain their positions. For the ADC, however, the stakes are higher: without a timely verdict, the party risks exclusion from the 2027 ballot. The coming weeks will be decisive, not only for the internal stability of these parties but also for the broader landscape of Nigeria's multi-party democracy.
The Supreme Court officially reserved its judgment on Wednesday, April 22, stating that a date for the final verdict will be communicated to the parties involved. The Justice Mohammed Garba-led five-member panel announced this after the lawyers of the parties adopted their various briefs and prayed the court to grant their respective reliefs.
