Nigeria’s Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved judgment in the ongoing leadership crises rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), deepening uncertainty within the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A five-member panel of the apex court, headed by Justice Mohammed Garba, took the decision after listening to arguments in separate appeals challenging earlier rulings by lower courts. No date was announced for the delivery of the judgment.
The development comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) operates within a tight electoral schedule. The commission has fixed May 10 for the submission of party membership registers, while party primaries are expected to hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026. Presidential and National Assembly elections are slated for January 16, 2027, with governorship and state assembly polls scheduled for February 6, 2027.
Ongoing legal battles within both parties have disrupted internal processes, including congresses and primaries, leaving many aspirants uncertain about their chances.
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 nullified the exercise over alleged procedural violations, including claims that Sule Lamido was prevented from contesting.
The ADC is also grappling with internal divisions involving former Senate President David Mark. The dispute followed the transfer of party leadership by Ralph Nwosu to a coalition led by Mark, a move that sidelined Nafiu Gombe. The crisis has since fractured the party into three factions, including one aligned with Dumebi Kachikwu.
Multiple lawsuits arising from these disputes have raised concerns about both parties’ preparedness for the 2027 elections. While Mark’s legal team argued that the matter is strictly internal and outside the courts’ jurisdiction, opposing factions maintained that judicial intervention is necessary.
After hearing all submissions, the Supreme Court reserved judgment, with a date to be communicated to the parties involved.
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