ABUJA: Nigeria’s political landscape faces a defining moment as the Supreme Court of Nigeria prepares to deliver judgment on leadership disputes rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The ruling described by observers as make or mar could determine whether both opposition parties are structurally eligible to participate in the 2027 general elections.
At the heart of the cases are internal leadership tussles and questions about whether courts have jurisdiction over party affairs.
For ADC, the dispute pits the leadership of David Mark against a faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe. The outcome will decide which group is legally recognised as the party’s authentic leadership.
In the PDP, the crisis stems from the controversial 2025 national convention in Ibadan, with factions linked to Nyesom Wike and Seyi Makinde on opposing sides. The legal battle also involves figures like Sule Lamido.
If the apex court upholds the appeals:
- Both parties could regain full legal standing
- Leadership disputes may be resolved in favour of current executives
- They would be cleared to field candidates in 2027
If the appeals fail:
- ADC and factions of PDP risk exclusion from the elections
- Their ability to nominate candidates could be invalidated
- The opposition coalition’s strength against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may be weakened
Adding to the tension, the Federal High Court in Abuja has again restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising ADC state congresses not conducted by duly elected executives.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that only constitutionally recognised party structures can organise congresses, rejecting the authority of interim or caretaker committees.
This decision reinforces earlier judicial interventions, raising concerns about whether ADC currently has a valid leadership structure.
Despite the legal setbacks, David Mark has expressed confidence that the party will overcome the challenges and appear on the 2027 ballot.
“We shall triumph in all the cases… we shall be on the ballot for every election,” he assured party members.
Similarly, ADC founding chairman Ralph Nwosu insisted that the party remains central to Nigeria’s democratic future, warning that excluding it could undermine the electoral process.
For PDP, the Supreme Court’s decision will determine whether its 2025 convention—already nullified by lower courts—stands.
The party argues that courts lack jurisdiction over internal matters, while opposing parties maintain that violations of electoral laws justify judicial intervention.
The verdict could reshape Nigeria’s political dynamics ahead of the next general election:
- A favourable ruling may strengthen opposition unity and coalition efforts
- An adverse ruling could fragment opposition forces further
- It may also clarify the legal boundaries between party autonomy and judicial oversight
With both ADC and PDP battling internal crises, the Supreme Court’s decision is expected to set a major legal and political precedent.
Beyond determining party leadership, the ruling could influence the structure of the 2027 elections and potentially redefine how Nigeria’s courts handle disputes within political parties.
