2027 Elections: We stand at grave risk of exclusion, ADC writes CJN

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to expedite the Supreme Court judgment in its ongoing leadership dispute, warning that prolonged delay could jeopardise its participation in the 2027 general elections.

In a letter dated April 28 and acknowledged by the office of the CJN on Tuesday, the party said the unresolved legal tussle posed a “grave and irreversible risk” to its electoral fortunes if not urgently resolved.

The letter was filed by the faction led by former Senate President, Senator David Mark, and signed by its counsel, Mr Shuaibu Aruwa, SAN.

According to the party, the Supreme Court had heard arguments in the appeal marked SC/CV/180/2026 on April 22 and reserved judgment, but no delivery date had been communicated.

It warned that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable for the 2027 elections was already in motion, while uncertainty over the party’s recognised leadership could hinder its compliance with statutory requirements.

“My Lord, 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 letter stated.

It further cautioned that failure to deliver judgment within a short timeframe could result in the party’s exclusion from the polls, effectively disenfranchising its supporters nationwide.

The party also referenced an earlier Court of Appeal decision which, it said, led INEC to “derecognise” its leadership, leaving it without a clear national structure.

Attached to the letter were documents including INEC’s timetable for the 2027 elections and correspondence relating to the disputed leadership status.

A five-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, had on April 22 reserved judgment after hearing arguments from all parties in the appeal.

The dispute stems from competing claims over the control of the party’s national leadership between the David Mark-led faction and another group led by Nafiu Bala Gombe.

Other respondents in the case include the ADC, INEC, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and former national chairman of the party, Chief Ralph Nwosu.

Senator Mark is asking the apex court to set aside a Court of Appeal ruling which upheld an order maintaining the “status quo ante bellum” in the party leadership dispute.

INEC had earlier removed the names of Mark and Aregbesola from its official portal following the appellate court’s decision, saying it would maintain neutrality until the matter is conclusively resolved.

Meanwhile, proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja had been adjourned indefinitely, pending the Supreme Court’s determination of the appeal.

The trial judge had cautioned that proceeding with the case could amount to “judicial rashness” given the matter before the apex court.

The ADC, however, maintained that continued uncertainty over its leadership structure threatens its ability to meet electoral timelines and participate fully in the 2027 general elections.

It insisted that millions of its members risk disenfranchisement if the matter is not urgently resolved, describing the situation as a threat to democratic participation.

The party expressed confidence in the judiciary and urged the Supreme Court to act swiftly in the interest of political stability and constitutional rights.

Source: Vanguard