Tensions are rising ahead of the 2027 general elections as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) have raised separate concerns over internal party disputes, alleged political interference, and the Supreme Court’s delay in delivering a key judgment.
The ADC has written to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, urging the Supreme Court to urgently deliver judgment in a leadership dispute it says could determine its survival ahead of the polls.
In a letter dated April 28 and signed by counsel to the Senator David Mark-led faction, the party warned that failure to issue a ruling within days could result in its exclusion from the 2027 elections due to INEC’s tightening timetable for party compliance.
The party said its ability to participate in the elections now depends on the apex court’s decision in an appeal challenging a Court of Appeal ruling on its leadership structure. It argued that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already acted on the lower court’s judgment by recognising a factional leadership, leaving the party in disarray.
ADC warned that exclusion would disenfranchise millions of supporters and violate their constitutional right to political participation, stressing that “justice delayed at this stage would amount to justice denied.”
The Supreme Court had earlier reserved judgment in the matter after hearing arguments from all parties involved, including INEC and rival factions within the ADC.
Meanwhile, the ADC also alleged that a crisis within the PRP may be politically engineered, describing it as part of a broader pattern of pressure on opposition parties ahead of 2027. The party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, claimed the speed at which factions emerge in opposition parties raises concerns about shrinking democratic space.
He argued that persistent instability in opposition parties, whether internal or externally influenced, could limit political choices for Nigerians.
In response, the PRP dismissed claims of internal division, insisting there is no faction within the party. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Muhammed Ishaq, the party described reports of parallel groups as false and politically motivated.
The PRP said those claiming to represent a breakaway faction are unknown to its leadership and accused unnamed actors of attempting to distract the party as it gains visibility ahead of the elections.
The party also warned that it would not be intimidated, stating that while it remains committed to lawful political engagement, it would resist misinformation and targeted attacks.
“Our restraint should not be mistaken for weakness,” the PRP said, adding that it remains united and focused on strengthening its political presence.
The All Progressives Congress (APC), however, dismissed allegations linking it to opposition crises, with a party official insisting the ruling party is focused on its own internal processes and upcoming primaries.
Meanwhile, senior lawyers have weighed in on concerns surrounding the Supreme Court’s delay, cautioning against interpreting judicial timelines as political interference.
Some legal experts argued that the court must not be pressured by electoral deadlines, noting that justices require adequate time to consider complex constitutional matters. Others, however, warned that delayed judgments close to electoral cut-off dates could have unintended political consequences, including possible exclusion of affected parties.
They urged reforms to ensure faster resolution of pre-election disputes and suggested provisional arrangements that could prevent parties from being automatically disqualified due to pending court decisions.
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