Supreme Court Withholds Verdict in PDP, ADC Leadership Disputes

Nigeria’s apex court has reserved judgment in the ongoing leadership crises rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a development that adds to the uncertainty surrounding both opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

A five-member panel of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, presided over by Mohammed Garba, announced that judgment would be delivered at a later date after hearing arguments in separate appeals challenging earlier court rulings.

No timeline was given for the verdict, despite the tight electoral schedule outlined by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The commission has set May 10 as the deadline for submission of party membership registers, while party primaries are to hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026.

INEC has also scheduled January 16, 2027, for presidential and National Assembly elections, with governorship and state assembly polls to follow on February 6, 2027.

The unresolved legal battles have significantly disrupted internal processes within both parties, complicating preparations for congresses and primaries. As a result, many aspirants remain uncertain about their political prospects.

Within the PDP, the crisis has fractured the party into rival camps led by Tanimu Turaki and Abdulrahman Mohammed. The Turaki faction, supported by Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, is pushing for recognition of the party’s November 2025 convention held in Ibadan.

However, lower courts had nullified the convention over alleged procedural violations, including claims that Sule Lamido was prevented from contesting.

Meanwhile, the ADC is grappling with its own deepening leadership dispute involving former Senate President David Mark. The crisis followed the transfer of party leadership by Ralph Nwosu to a coalition led by Mark, a move that reportedly sidelined Nafiu Gombe.

The disagreement has since splintered the party into multiple factions, including one aligned with Dumebi Kachikwu.

During proceedings, Mark’s legal team argued that the matter is purely internal and should not attract judicial intervention. Opposing factions, however, maintained that the courts have the authority to adjudicate on the dispute.

With arguments concluded, the Supreme Court is expected to communicate a date for judgment to all parties involved.