The Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved judgment in the ongoing leadership crises within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), further increasing uncertainty in the opposition as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue.
A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, reached the decision after hearing arguments in separate appeals challenging earlier judgments delivered by lower courts. No date was announced for the ruling.
The development comes amid a tight electoral timetable set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which has fixed May 10 as the deadline for submission of party membership registers. Party primaries are scheduled to hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026, while the presidential and National Assembly elections are slated for January 16, 2027, and governorship and state assembly elections for February 6, 2027.
Internal disputes in both parties have disrupted key activities such as congresses and primaries, leaving many aspirants uncertain about their political future.
In the PDP, the crisis has split the party into factions led by Tanimu Turaki and Abdulrahman Mohammed. The Turaki faction, supported by Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, is seeking recognition of the party’s November 2025 convention in Ibadan. However, lower courts had earlier nullified the convention over alleged irregularities, including claims that Sule Lamido was excluded from contesting.
The ADC is also experiencing internal divisions involving former Senate President David Mark, following a leadership arrangement that handed control from Ralph Nwosu to a coalition led by Mark, sidelining Nafiu Gombe. The crisis has fractured the party into multiple blocs, including one aligned with Dumebi Kachikwu.
The disputes have triggered several lawsuits raising concerns about the readiness of both parties for the upcoming elections. While Mark’s legal team argues the matter is internal and not subject to court intervention, opposing factions insist judicial resolution is necessary.
After hearing all submissions, the Supreme Court reserved judgment, to be delivered on a date to be communicated to the parties involved.
