The Supreme Court of Nigeria is set to deliver judgment today on the leadership disputes within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a decision that could significantly reshape the opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ahead of the ruling, ADC leaders reportedly held a closed-door emergency meeting on Wednesday night to review possible outcomes and decide their next line of action. Political commentator Imran Wakili confirmed the development, noting that key figures such as Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso were absent from the meeting. The opposition coalition is said to have adopted the ADC as its major platform for the 2027 elections, raising the stakes of the court’s verdict.
The situation has been further complicated by a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, which restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising congresses conducted by a faction linked to former Senate President David Mark. Delivering the judgment, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that only constitutionally recognised party organs can conduct such congresses and barred the disputed leadership from interfering with elected state executives.
Reacting to the ruling, Mark expressed confidence that the party would overcome its legal challenges and remain eligible to participate in the 2027 elections, stating that the ADC would be on the ballot and that its legal team had already initiated an appeal process. However, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, backed the court’s decision, insisting that it would prevent any attempt to hijack the party.
The Supreme Court had earlier reserved judgment on April 22 after hearing arguments in appeals arising from the leadership disputes. The cases involving the ADC and PDP have now been scheduled for ruling, with proceedings expected to take place later today. The timing is critical, as INEC has already fixed deadlines for political parties to meet requirements ahead of the 2027 elections, including the submission of membership registers and the conduct of party primaries.
The PDP is battling a prolonged leadership internal divisions, with camps linked to Seyi Makinde and Nyesom Wike expected to be present at the court. The outcome of today’s judgment is likely to determine control of party structures and could influence the ability of both parties to fully participate in the 2027 general elections.
With political tensions rising and alignments already shifting, the ruling is widely seen as a pivotal moment that could define the strength and direction of Nigeria’s opposition ahead of the next electoral cycle.
