The Supreme Court is set to deliver a highly anticipated judgment today, April 30, in the legal disputes surrounding the leadership crises in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a ruling widely seen as critical to the future of both opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The decision comes nine days after a five-member panel of the apex court reserved judgment after hearing final arguments from all parties involved. The outcome is expected to determine which factions are legally recognised to lead both parties and whether they can field candidates in the next general elections.
In parallel developments, a Federal High Court in Abuja has once again ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise or supervise any ADC state congresses not conducted by the party’s duly recognised leadership. This follows earlier court decisions that also limited INEC’s involvement in PDP’s internal electoral processes.
The Supreme Court’s ruling is expected to either validate or nullify the leadership claims of key figures within both parties. For ADC, the judgment could confirm the authority of the David Mark-led leadership or strengthen rival claims. For PDP, it may determine whether the Turaki-led faction can continue as the recognised leadership capable of presenting candidates in 2027.
Legal arguments before the court centered on whether internal party disputes are justiciable and whether lower courts had jurisdiction to intervene. Counsel for the ADC leadership maintained that courts lacked authority over internal party affairs, citing previous apex court decisions, while opposing counsel argued that earlier rulings were valid and should be upheld.
Meanwhile, the ADC leadership has expressed confidence in a favourable outcome, insisting the party remains intact and capable of participating in future elections despite ongoing legal battles. Party officials also urged the Supreme Court to expedite judgment, warning that delays could affect election preparations.
Within the PDP, the dispute remains between factions aligned with different political interests, with disagreements tracing back to the controversial national convention held in Ibadan, which produced the current leadership structure now under legal challenge.
Despite the tension, both ADC and PDP factions insist they remain confident that the judiciary will clarify leadership legitimacy and secure their participation in the 2027 elections.
