The Supreme Court of Nigeria is set to deliver judgment today on the leadership crises rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a ruling that could reshape opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ahead of the verdict, party leaders reportedly held an emergency strategy meeting on Wednesday night to assess possible outcomes and plan next steps for the opposition coalition.
The ADC crisis centres on a leadership tussle involving former Senate President David Mark and a rival faction led by Nafiu Gombe, while the PDP is also grappling with internal divisions.
In a parallel development, a Federal High Court in Abuja restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising ADC congresses conducted by a disputed leadership, further complicating the situation.
Reacting, Mark expressed confidence in a favourable outcome, assuring party members that the ADC would remain on the ballot in 2027 despite ongoing legal battles.
The Supreme Court had earlier reserved judgment on April 22 after hearing arguments in the appeals, with the cases—marked SC/CV/166/2026 (PDP) and SC/CV/180/2026 (ADC)—now scheduled for ruling.
The decision is seen as critical, especially as INEC’s timetable sets May 10 as the deadline for submission of party membership registers, with party primaries running from April 23 to May 30, 2026.
The rulings come amid heightened political tension, as opposition figures intensify efforts to consolidate platforms and resolve internal disputes ahead of the 2027 elections.
Legal representatives of the ADC had earlier warned that any delay in the judgment could jeopardise the party’s participation, arguing that its ability to meet electoral requirements depends on a clear resolution of its leadership structure.
With key political actors expected at the court, the outcome is likely to have far-reaching implications for party control, electoral readiness, and the broader opposition landscape in Nigeria.
