RismadarVoice Reporters, April 29, 2026
The Supreme Court of Nigeria is set to deliver judgments in two high-profile political appeals involving leadership crises in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Checks on the apex court’s official website show that the cases, listed under political appeals, are scheduled for hearing on Thursday, April 30, 2026, amid rising political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.
One of the key cases involves the ADC leadership dispute, marked SC/CV/180/2026, with judgment fixed for 2 p.m.
The crisis within the ADC stems from a prolonged leadership tussle between 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 directed all parties to maintain the status quo.
He argues that the appellate court exceeded its jurisdiction, maintaining that the matter is an internal party affair not subject to judicial interference.
The Supreme Court had earlier heard the case on April 22, 2026, before a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba, which reserved judgment.
Highlighting the urgency of the matter, counsel to the ADC, S.E. Aruwa (SAN) & Co., had written to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, urging the court to deliver judgment promptly. In a letter dated April 28, the legal team warned that delays could jeopardise the party’s participation in the 2027 general elections.
The lawyers alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had acted on a lower court ruling to de-recognise the party’s leadership, leaving the ADC in a precarious position despite remaining a registered political party.
They stressed that compliance with INEC’s electoral timetable depends on a timely resolution of the leadership dispute.
“The ADC’s ability to comply with statutory requirements for participation in the 2027 General Elections is wholly dependent on the timely delivery of judgment in this appeal,” the counsel stated.
Warning of serious consequences, the legal team said any delay could expose the party to the risk of exclusion from the polls, potentially disenfranchising millions of its supporters.
“Justice delayed, in this particular circumstance, would amount to justice denied,” the lawyers added, noting that the party’s political future hangs in the balance.
The anticipated rulings are expected to have significant implications for party structures and political alignments ahead of the next general elections.
