Power Clash Peaks: Supreme Court Delivers Verdict On ADC, PDP Leadership Battles

The Supreme Court is expected to deliver its verdict today in the leadership crises affecting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a ruling that could significantly influence both opposition parties as the 2027 general elections approach.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The cases, filed as political appeals, are scheduled for hearing at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The PDP matter is listed as SC/CV/166/2026, while the ADC case bears the number SC/CV/180/2026.

In anticipation of the judgment, ADC leaders reportedly convened an emergency strategy meeting on Wednesday night to assess possible outcomes and determine the party’s next steps within the opposition coalition.

Political analyst Imran Wakili confirmed the development in a post on , noting that key discussions were focused on the implications of the court’s decision and the coalition’s future direction. He also observed that notable figures such as Peter Obi and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso were absent from the meeting.

Meanwhile, a Federal High Court on Wednesday ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise congresses conducted by the faction of the ADC led by David Mark, pending the resolution of the party’s internal disputes.

Reacting to the ruling, Mark assured party members that the ADC would remain on the ballot in the 2027 elections despite ongoing legal battles. In a statement shared via by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, he expressed confidence in the party’s legal position and pledged to see the cases through within the bounds of the law.

He added that the party’s legal team had already initiated an appeal against the ruling and applied for a stay of execution.

However, the Federal High Court decision was welcomed by the ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, along with several state chairmen, who insisted they would resist any attempt to take control of the party.

Earlier, on April 22, the Supreme Court had concluded hearings on the disputes, with a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba reserving judgment after listening to arguments from all parties.

The ADC crisis centres on a prolonged leadership struggle between David Mark and a rival faction led by Nafiu Gombe. Mark is challenging a March 12 Court of Appeal ruling that directed all parties to maintain the status quo, arguing that the matter is an internal party issue beyond judicial interference.

On the other hand, respondents—including the ADC, its National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, INEC, and former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu—have urged the Supreme Court to dismiss the appeal, maintaining that the lower court acted within its authority.

In a letter dated April 28, 2026, the ADC’s legal representatives, S.E. Aruwa (SAN) & Co., appealed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria for a swift judgment, warning that delays could threaten the party’s participation in the 2027 elections.

They alleged that INEC had acted on a lower court ruling to withdraw recognition of the party’s leadership, effectively leaving the ADC without a recognised leadership structure despite its status as a registered political party.

The lawyers cautioned that timely delivery of judgment is crucial for the party to meet statutory requirements for the elections, warning that any delay could pose a serious risk of exclusion from the polls.

Several prominent political figures are expected at the Supreme Court for the ruling. From the ADC, David Mark, Bolaji Abdullahi, and other party leaders are anticipated.

Also expected are members of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s PDP faction, including Tanimu Turaki (SAN), Taofeek Arapaja, Babangida Aliyu, and Ini Ememobong.

From the camp aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, those likely to attend include National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umaru Bature, and former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido.

INEC has set May 10 as the deadline for political parties to submit their membership registers. The commission has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections will take place on February 6, 2027.

According to the electoral timetable, party primaries and dispute resolution processes will run from April 23 to May 30, 2026. Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly elections are set to begin on August 19, 2026, while governorship and state assembly campaigns will commence on September 9, 2026.