The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in the appeals and cross-appeals arising from leadership disputes within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following hearings involving all concerned parties.
The apex court did not announce a date for its ruling, leaving the outcome uncertain for the rival factions in both political parties.
In the PDP case, earlier court rulings had already nullified the party’s Ibadan convention, which produced Kabiru Turaki as national chairman, while also upholding the suspension of several key officials. These decisions effectively left the faction backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in control of the party structure currently recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), pending the Supreme Court’s final decision.
For the ADC, the situation remains more complex, as none of the three rival factions—led by Senator David Mark, Nafiu Bala Gombe, and Ogga Temitope—has been formally recognised by INEC. With political parties required to submit membership registers by May 10, there are concerns that delays in judgment could affect the party’s eligibility for the 2027 general elections.
The PDP faction led by Kabiru Turaki expressed confidence in the judiciary, urging members to remain hopeful that the Supreme Court would deliver a decision that protects democracy and prevents a one-party dominance scenario.
Similarly, the ADC faction led by Senator David Mark expressed optimism that the court would rule in its favour, insisting that the dispute concerns internal party matters beyond judicial interference.
Mark’s legal team also argued that the case should be treated as a non-justiciable internal party issue, while opposing parties maintained that the lower courts acted within jurisdiction.
INEC, which had earlier removed Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its portal following a Court of Appeal ruling, has stated it will maintain the status quo until the matter is fully resolved.
The Supreme Court’s final decision is now expected to determine the future leadership direction of both parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
