The cases, listed under “Political Appeals” on the court’s cause list for April 30, 2026, come amid intensifying legal and political battles ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria will on Wednesday deliver judgements in two key political appeals involving leadership disputes in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The cases, listed under “Political Appeals” on the court’s cause list for April 30, 2026, come amid intensifying legal and political battles ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ADC appeal, marked SC/CV/180/2026, has been scheduled for 2pm.
The time for the PDP matter was not confirmed as of press time.
The ADC crisis centres on a lingering leadership tussle between former Senate President, David Mark, and a rival faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe.
Mark is contesting the March 12 ruling of the Court of Appeal, which directed all parties to maintain the status quo.
He argued that the appellate court lacked jurisdiction, maintaining that the dispute is an internal party affair beyond judicial interference.
On the other hand, the respondents, including the ADC, its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, urged the apex court to dismiss the appeal, insisting the lower court acted within its powers.
A five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba heard the case on April 22 and reserved judgement.
In a letter dated April 28, 2026, counsel to the ADC, S.E. Aruwa (SAN) & Co., appealed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria for an expedited ruling.
The lawyers warned that any delay could threaten the party’s participation in the 2027 elections.
They also alleged that INEC had acted on a lower court decision to remove or derecognise the party’s leadership.
According to the counsel, the situation has left the ADC without a recognised leadership, despite its status as a registered political party.
They stressed that compliance with INEC’s electoral timetable depends largely on the outcome of the appeal.
The lawyers warned that any delay in delivering judgement could expose the party to “grave and irreversible risk” of exclusion from the polls.
They added that such a development would disenfranchise millions of supporters.
“Justice delayed, in this particular circumstance, would amount to justice denied,” the lawyers stated, noting that the party’s political future is at stake.
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