S’Court Verdict Looms Over PDP, ADC as Leadership Crises Threaten 2027 Polls

Nigeria’s opposition politics faces a critical test as the Supreme Court of Nigeria is set to deliver judgments that could determine the future of two major parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The court is expected to rule on four appeals arising from internal crises within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The outcomes are likely to determine leadership legitimacy and shape both parties’ preparedness for the 2027 general elections.

PDP convention dispute

In the case involving the PDP, the Supreme Court will decide whether to uphold earlier rulings that invalidated the party’s November 2025 national convention held in Ibadan.

Lower courts had ruled that the convention was conducted in violation of a subsisting court order which required the inclusion of former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido as a contestant for the position of national chairman. The courts held that proceeding with the convention despite the order amounted to contempt and a breach of due process.

A related appeal challenges a decision restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the convention. The courts found that the PDP failed to comply with key procedural requirements, including the conduct of valid state congresses and proper notification to the electoral body.

ADC leadership crisis

The ADC is also facing a leadership dispute involving former Senate President David Mark and other factions within the party.

Mark is asking the Supreme Court to overturn a Court of Appeal ruling that restored a previous leadership arrangement pending the resolution of the dispute. He argues that the matter concerns the internal affairs of a political party and should not be subject to judicial intervention.

However, INEC has already removed Mark and other officials from its records, citing the appellate court’s directive to maintain the status quo until the matter is resolved.

Conflicting court decisions

Further complicating the situation, a Federal High Court in Abuja has barred INEC from recognising congresses conducted by the Mark-led faction of the ADC. The court held that only duly elected state executive committees have the authority to organise such congresses, not an interim national leadership.

The ruling effectively invalidates the congresses conducted under the disputed leadership and affirms the tenure of existing state officials.

Implications for 2027 elections

Legal experts and analysts warn that unresolved leadership disputes could weaken both parties ahead of the 2027 elections. In particular, there are concerns that the ADC may face difficulties participating in the polls if its internal crisis persists and affects compliance with electoral guidelines.

Next steps

The Supreme Court’s rulings will be final and binding, providing clarity on leadership disputes and the extent to which courts can intervene in internal party matters. The decisions are expected to have significant implications for the organisation and competitiveness of opposition parties in the lead-up to 2027.

Source: Vanguard Newspapers, April 30, 2026.