JUST IN: Supreme Court Sets Date to Rule on ADC, PDP Appeals

Nigeria’s Supreme Court will deliver judgments on Thursday, April 30, in two major 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 apex court’s cause list, come amid intensifying legal battles over party leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Judgment in the ADC appeal, marked SC/CV/180/2026, is scheduled for 2 p.m., according to court records. The hearing time for the PDP matter was not immediately confirmed.

The ADC appeal stems from a leadership dispute involving former Senate President David Mark and a rival faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe.

Mark is challenging a March 12 Court of Appeal ruling that ordered parties to maintain the status quo in the dispute. He argues that the appellate court exceeded its jurisdiction, maintaining that the matter is an internal party issue not subject to judicial intervention.

A five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba heard the appeal on April 22 and reserved judgment.

The case has drawn heightened attention following a letter sent to the Chief Justice of Nigeria by counsel to the ADC, urging an expedited ruling. In the April 28 letter, S.E. Aruwa (SAN) & Co. argued that any delay could affect the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections.

The legal team also raised concerns over actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission, alleging the commission acted on a lower court ruling to withdraw recognition from the party’s leadership.

According to the lawyers, the uncertainty threatens the ADC’s ability to meet statutory requirements tied to the electoral timetable already released by INEC.

They argued that a delayed judgment could jeopardise the party’s participation in the next general election and affect its supporters nationwide.

The rulings in both the ADC and PDP appeals are expected to shape ongoing struggles over party control and could carry wider political implications as preparations for 2027 gather pace.