The Supreme Court of Nigeria is set to deliver judgment today on the leadership crises in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The verdict, scheduled for 2pm, follows the conclusion of hearings on 22 April by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba, and comes amid intense political manoeuvring and legal battles over party leadership.
Ahead of the ruling, ADC leaders reportedly held a closed-door emergency strategy meeting on Wednesday night to review possible outcomes and determine the next course of action for the opposition coalition.
Political commentator Imran Wakili confirmed the development, noting the absence of key figures such as Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso from the high-level meeting.
In a parallel development, the Federal High Court in Abuja restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising ADC congresses conducted under the leadership of David Mark.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that only constitutionally recognised party structures can organise congresses, effectively nullifying actions by a disputed caretaker leadership.
The court also barred Mark and other party figures from interfering with the tenure of elected state executives, escalating the internal crisis within the ADC.
Reacting, Mr Mark expressed confidence that the party would overcome its legal challenges and remain on the ballot.
“You do not have anything to be afraid of… we shall triumph in all the cases,” he said.
However, the 2023 ADC presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, backed the court ruling, warning against attempts to hijack the party.
“With this judgment… those who attempted to hijack our party have failed woefully,” he stated.
ADC state chairmen, led by Kingsley Oggah, also described the judgment as a relief and a validation of their stance.
The PDP remains locked in a fierce leadership battle between factions aligned with Tanimu Turaki and Nyesom Wike.
Key figures from both camps, including Seyi Makinde, Babangida Aliyu, Sule Lamido, and Samuel Anyanwu, are expected at the apex court as the battle for control intensifies.
The appeals marked SC/CV/166/2026 (PDP) and SC/CV/180/2026 (ADC) carry significant implications, especially with INEC’s 10 May deadline for submission of party membership registers fast approaching.
Party primaries are already underway and scheduled to conclude by May 30, raising concerns about compliance if leadership disputes remain unresolved.
Legal counsel for the ADC had earlier warned that any delay in judgment could jeopardise the party’s participation in the elections.
“Justice delayed… would amount to justice denied,” the lawyers argued, warning of possible disenfranchisement of supporters.
At the centre of the legal battle is whether courts can intervene in internal party affairs.
While some defendants argued the matter is strictly internal, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that judicial intervention is justified where constitutional breaches are alleged.
“The law is settled… however, where there is an allegation of breach… the court has a duty to intervene,” she stated.
ADC founding chairman Ralph Nwosu added a political dimension to the crisis, claiming the party has mobilised millions of supporters and warning against its exclusion from the ballot.
“The ADC will be on next year’s ballot… any Nigerian who desires to salvage Nigeria should see the ADC as a ready home,” he said.
He also alleged attempts by powerful interests to frustrate the party’s rise ahead of 2027.
With top political actors converging on Abuja and tensions running high, today’s ruling is widely seen as a defining moment for Nigeria’s opposition.
