The Supreme Court of Nigeria has reserved judgment in the lingering leadership
disputes rocking both the Peoples Democratic Party and the African Democratic
Congress, raising fresh uncertainty ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The apex court took arguments from all parties involved in the appeals and cross-
appeals. Nigerian business directory
After proceedings, it announced that judgment would be delivered at a later date.
However, no timeline was given and this has created tension, especially for parties
battling internal divisions, according to a report ny Politics Nigeria.
For the PDP, the crisis has already led to major changes. Earlier rulings had
nullified the Ibadan convention that produced Kabiru Turaki as national chairman.
The court also upheld the suspension of some top officials.
As it stands, the faction backed by Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital
Territory, remains in charge. This group is the one currently recognised by the
Independent National Electoral Commission.
While the PDP appears to have found some stability, the situation is more troubling
for the ADC. The party is deeply divided into three factions. These groups are led
by David Mark, Nafiu Bala Gombe, and Ogga Temitope. None of these factions
has been officially recognised by INEC.
This lack of recognition puts the ADC in a difficult position. INEC has set May 10
as the deadline for all registered political parties to submit their membership
registers. Only parties that meet this requirement will be cleared to field candidates
in the 2027 elections.
With the Supreme Court yet to fix a date for judgment, time is running out. If the
ruling does not come before the deadline, the ADC risks missing out entirely. This
would mean the party may not appear on the ballot in 2027.
