The Supreme Court of Nigeria has slated Thursday, April 30, 2026, for the delivery of judgments in two politically sensitive appeals involving leadership crises in the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
Findings by PLATFORM TIMES from the court’s official cause list showed that the matters, categorised under political appeals, are billed for hearing, with the ADC case scheduled for 2pm. The exact time for the PDP appeal, however, was not indicated.
The impending rulings come amid heightened political tension and legal battles over control of party structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ADC dispute centres on a protracted leadership tussle between a faction loyal to former Senate President, David Mark, and another led by Nafiu Bala Gombe.
Mark is challenging a March 12 ruling of the Court of Appeal, which ordered parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the suit. He argued that the appellate court lacked jurisdiction, insisting that the matter is an internal party affair not subject to judicial intervention.
The apex court had, on April 22, heard the appeal before a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba and reserved judgment.
In a move underscoring the urgency of the case, counsel to the ADC, led by S.E. Aruwa (SAN), had written to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, urging the court to expedite its decision.
In the letter dated April 28, 2026, the lawyers warned that any delay could jeopardise the party’s chances of participating in the 2027 elections, citing concerns over actions allegedly taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The legal team alleged that INEC had acted on a lower court ruling to derecognise the party’s leadership, leaving the ADC in a precarious position despite remaining a registered political party.
They further linked the urgency to INEC’s electoral timetable, stressing that compliance with statutory requirements for the 2027 polls hinges on the outcome of the appeal.
“The ADC’s ability to comply with these statutory requirements to participate in the 2027 general elections is wholly dependent on the timely delivery of judgment,” the counsel stated.
They warned that any delay could expose the party to “grave and irreversible risk” of exclusion from the polls, potentially disenfranchising millions of supporters.
“Justice delayed, in this circumstance, would amount to justice denied,” the lawyers added.
The PDP appeal, though details remain sketchy, is also tied to internal leadership disputes within the opposition party.
Observers say Thursday’s rulings could significantly shape the political landscape ahead of the next general elections, particularly in determining the legitimacy of party leaderships and their eligibility to field candidates.
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