The Supreme Court of Nigeria is set to deliver judgments on Thursday in two major political appeals involving leadership disputes within the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
The cases, listed under political appeals on the court’s cause list, are scheduled for April 30, 2026, amid rising tensions over party control ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Findings show that the ADC appeal, marked SC/CV/180/2026, has been fixed for 2 p.m., while the time for the PDP matter has yet to be officially disclosed.
The disputes come against the backdrop of ongoing internal crises in both parties, with legal battles intensifying over leadership structures and legitimacy.
In the ADC case, former Senate President David Mark is challenging an earlier ruling by the Court of Appeal, which directed all parties involved to maintain the status quo in the leadership tussle.
Mark argues that the appellate court exceeded its authority, insisting that the matter is an internal party issue that should not be subjected to judicial interference.
The appeal was heard on April 22 by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba, after which judgment was reserved.
Meanwhile, a faction within the party led by Nafiu Bala Gombe is also contesting control, further deepening the crisis.
Lawyers representing the ADC have urged the apex court to deliver its judgment without delay, warning of potential consequences for the party’s electoral prospects.
“This appeal was heard expeditiously, and judgment was reserved to a date to be communicated by the court,” the legal team stated in a letter addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
They expressed concern over actions taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission, alleging that the commission relied on a lower court ruling to withdraw recognition from the party’s leadership.
“The party is currently left without a recognised leadership, despite remaining a registered political party,” the lawyers said.
They further warned that any delay in the judgment could have serious implications for the party’s participation in the 2027 elections.
“The ability of the ADC to meet statutory requirements for the 2027 polls depends largely on the timely delivery of this judgment,” they added.
Describing the situation as urgent, the counsel cautioned that postponement could expose the party to “grave and irreversible risks,” including possible exclusion from the elections.
“In this circumstance, justice delayed would effectively amount to justice denied,” they stressed.
The forthcoming rulings are expected to significantly shape the internal stability of both parties and influence the broader political landscape ahead of the next general elections.
