By Joy Yesufu
The Supreme Court of Nigeria is set to deliver judgments in two high-profile political appeals involving leadership disputes within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The cases, listed under “Political Appeals” on the court’s official cause list, are scheduled for hearing on April 30, 2026, with judgment in the ADC matter (SC/CV/180/2026) fixed for 2 p.m. The time for the PDP ruling has yet to be confirmed.
The anticipated decisions come amid heightened political tension and legal contestation over control of party structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ADC appeal stems from a prolonged leadership crisis involving former Senate President, David Mark, and a rival faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe.
Mark is challenging a March 12 ruling of the Court of Appeal, which ordered parties to maintain the status quo in the dispute.
He argues that the appellate court exceeded its jurisdiction, maintaining that the matter is an internal party affair not subject to judicial intervention.
The appeal was heard on April 22 by a five-member panel led by Mohammed Garba, which reserved judgment.
In a development highlighting the urgency of the case, counsel to the ADC had earlier written to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, urging an expedited ruling.
In a letter dated April 28, 2026, the law firm of S.E. Aruwa (SAN) & Co. warned that any delay could affect the party’s readiness for the 2027 elections, particularly in light of the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The lawyers also raised concerns over INEC’s alleged reliance on a lower court ruling to alter the party’s leadership status, a situation they said could hinder compliance with statutory requirements for participation in the elections.
They cautioned that a delay in judgment could expose the party to the risk of exclusion from the polls, potentially disenfranchising its supporters.
The outcome of both appeals is expected to have far-reaching implications for internal party stability and the broader political landscape as preparations intensify for the next general elections.
