Supreme Court Set to Rule on PDP, ADC Leadership Crises Ahead of 2027 Elections

Nigeria’s Supreme Court is expected to deliver crucial judgments today that could determine the future of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The apex court will rule on four separate appeals arising from ongoing leadership disputes within both opposition parties. The decisions are likely to clarify who holds legitimate authority in the parties and whether recent internal processes complied with the law.

For the PDP, the appeals focus on the controversial national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November 2025. A faction led by Tanimu Turaki is seeking to overturn earlier court rulings that invalidated the exercise. Lower courts had faulted the convention for proceeding despite a subsisting court order and for failing to follow due process, including the exclusion of Sule Lamido from contesting.

The Court of Appeal had earlier dismissed the faction’s claims, describing their actions as contemptuous and a violation of judicial authority. It maintained that the party should have pursued proper legal channels rather than defying court orders.

In the ADC, the dispute centers on who is the authentic national chairman among David Mark, Nafiu Bala Gombe, and Temitope Ogga. Mark’s faction has challenged a Court of Appeal ruling that ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending resolution of the leadership tussle. He argues that the matter is an internal party issue beyond the jurisdiction of the courts.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had removed Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official records as ADC leaders, citing ongoing legal disputes. The electoral body has stated it will not recognise any faction until the courts deliver a final verdict.

Adding to the tension, a Federal High Court in Abuja recently barred INEC from recognising congresses conducted by the Mark-led faction of the ADC. The court ruled that only duly elected state executives have the authority to organise such congresses and declared the actions of the caretaker leadership invalid.

Reacting to the ruling, former ADC presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu described it as a victory against attempts to hijack the party. However, the Mark-led camp, through its spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi, said it would review the judgment and decide on the next legal steps.

Observers warn that the unresolved crises could weaken the ADC’s chances in the 2027 elections, especially if the party fails to establish clear leadership in time to meet electoral guidelines.

With all parties awaiting the Supreme Court’s verdict, today’s rulings are expected to have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s opposition landscape and the broader political contest ahead of 2027.