The Supreme Court of Nigeria is set to deliver judgment in two politically sensitive appeals arising from leadership disputes within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in developments that could reshape party structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Checks on the apex court’s official cause list indicate that the matters, categorised under political appeals, have been scheduled for hearing on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Judgment in the ADC case, marked SC/CV/180/2026, is expected by 2:00 p.m., although the time for the PDP ruling could not be immediately ascertained.
The impending decisions come against the backdrop of heightened political tension and intensifying legal battles over control of party machinery, as key actors position themselves for the next electoral cycle.
At the centre of the ADC dispute is a protracted leadership crisis involving former Senate President, David Mark, and a rival faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe. The contest has deepened divisions within the party, with both sides laying claim to its national leadership.
Mark is challenging the March 12 ruling of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, which directed parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit. He argues that the appellate court exceeded its jurisdiction, insisting that the matter constitutes an internal party affair not subject to judicial interference.
The appeal was argued on April 22 before a five-member panel of the apex court led by Mohammed Garba, which subsequently reserved judgment.
Although details of the PDP appeal remain sketchy, sources within the party suggest it also relates to internal leadership disputes that have fuelled factional alignments in recent months.
Political observers say the rulings could have far-reaching implications for both parties, particularly in defining the limits of judicial intervention in intra-party conflicts and determining the legitimacy of competing leadership claims.
With the 2027 elections on the horizon, the decisions are expected to either stabilise the affected parties or further inflame tensions, depending on how the apex court resolves the contentious issues.
