The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in the PDP and ADC leadership disputes, a delay that could determine both parties’ standing ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has reserved judgment in the appeals and cross-appeals arising from the leadership crises in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), leaving the fate of both parties uncertain ahead of the 2027 elections.
The apex court did not fix a date for its ruling, a development with varying implications for the feuding camps. In the PDP, earlier court decisions had nullified the Ibadan convention that produced Kabiru Turaki as national chairman and upheld the suspension of key officials. Consequently, the faction backed by the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), will remain in control pending the final verdict. In contrast, the ADC faces a more precarious situation, as none of its three factions—led by David Mark, Nafiu Bala Gombe and Ogga Temitope—has been recognised by INEC, raising concerns about its eligibility to participate in the next general elections.
All registered political parties are required to submit their membership registers to INEC by May 10 or risk disqualification from sponsoring candidates in the 2027 polls, a deadline that could exclude the ADC if the court delays its ruling. Following proceedings, the Turaki-led PDP faction, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said it expected justice from the judiciary, while the Wike-backed faction urged the court to declare that the matter falls within the internal affairs of the party and outside judicial jurisdiction.
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