The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally appealed to the Supreme Court of Nigeria, urging a swift judgment on its ongoing leadership dispute, warning that delays could jeopardize its participation in the 2027 general elections.
In a letter dated April 28 and addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the faction led by David Mark expressed concern that failure to deliver judgment within days could result in the party’s exclusion from the electoral process.
The party’s appeal is tied to the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which sets deadlines for political parties to submit membership registers ahead of the 2027 elections. According to the ADC, its current leadership vacuum—stemming from conflicting court rulings—makes compliance impossible without a definitive Supreme Court decision.
At the center of the dispute is an appeal filed by Mark, challenging a Court of Appeal ruling that reinstated a previous leadership structure under Nafiu Bala Gombe. Mark argues that the matter concerns internal party affairs, which courts traditionally lack jurisdiction to adjudicate.
Meanwhile, INEC has already de-recognised both factions, removing key officials such as Rauf Aregbesola from its official records, pending final judicial determination.
A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Mohammed Garba, had earlier heard arguments and reserved judgment on April 22, leaving the party in legal limbo.
Political Tensions Expand Beyond ADC
The crisis has spilled into broader opposition politics. The ADC alleged that instability within the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) was orchestrated to weaken opposition coalitions ahead of 2027.
However, the PRP dismissed claims of internal division, insisting there is no faction within its ranks and warning that it is prepared to resist both “genuine and manufactured aggression.”
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied any involvement, with party insiders downplaying the significance of the allegations.
Legal Experts Urge Patience
Senior lawyers have cautioned against pressuring the judiciary. Legal practitioner Victor Opara emphasized that the Supreme Court must prioritize thoroughness over speed, noting that its decisions carry far-reaching implications.
Another legal expert, Evans Ufeli, highlighted the tension between judicial timelines and electoral deadlines, warning that even procedural delays could effectively sideline a political party.
Conversely, lawyer Charles Ugwuanyi argued that courts retain the authority to override electoral timelines where necessary, suggesting that the ADC may still have legal pathways to remain in the race.
What’s at Stake
The case underscores a critical intersection of law and politics in Nigeria. If judgment is delayed beyond INEC’s deadlines, the ADC risks exclusion—not necessarily by law, but by procedural timing—raising concerns about voter representation and democratic fairness.
With the clock ticking, the Supreme Court’s eventual ruling could shape not just the future of the ADC, but also the broader political landscape heading into 2027.
