The Supreme Court has scheduled Thursday, April 30, to deliver judgment in the ongoing leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a dispute that could shape the party’s future ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The apex court disclosed that the ruling would be delivered at 2pm after previously reserving judgment following the adoption of final written submissions by all parties involved.
The case is being heard by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba. Former Senate President David Mark, who heads one faction of the ADC, is challenging an earlier Court of Appeal ruling delivered on March 12, which directed all parties to maintain the status quo in the dispute.
Mark argued before the Supreme Court that the appellate court exceeded its powers, insisting that the matter concerns internal party affairs that should not be decided by the courts.
The suit was originally filed by aggrieved members of the party led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, who questioned the legitimacy of the leadership structure headed by Mark.
Other parties listed in the case include the ADC, National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and former national chairman Ralph Nwosu.
The Mark-led camp is also asking the Supreme Court to stop INEC from recognising any leadership faction aside from its own until the final determination of the appeal.
Meanwhile, opposing parties urged the court to dismiss the appeal, arguing that the lower court acted within its jurisdiction.
In a letter dated April 28, 2026, counsel to the Mark-led faction warned that delays in delivering the judgment could seriously affect the ADC’s preparations for the 2027 elections.
According to the letter, the party risks losing its ability to fully participate in the electoral process after INEC allegedly withdrew recognition of the party’s current leadership following the appellate court ruling.
The faction maintained that the uncertainty surrounding the leadership issue could prevent the party from meeting critical electoral requirements outlined in INEC’s timetable for the 2027 polls.
The letter further stated that millions of party supporters could be denied the opportunity to contest elections under the ADC platform if the matter is not resolved quickly.
