Supreme Court reserves judgment on ADC leadership crisis

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has reserved judgment in a high-stakes legal battle over the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a development that could significantly influence the party’s structure and readiness ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The decision to reserve judgment comes after the apex court heard arguments from parties involved in the protracted dispute, which has generated tension within the opposition party and raised concerns about its internal stability.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had ordered an accelerated hearing of leadership disputes affecting major political parties, aligning with timelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure smooth preparation for upcoming elections.

At Wednesday’s proceedings, the court heard arguments in the ADC crisis, which has pitched a faction aligned with David Mark against another led by Nafiu Bala Gombe. The dispute, filed under suit number SC/CV/180/2026, has deepened internal divisions within the party.

Also present in court was the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.

At the centre of the case is whether the court will uphold or overturn earlier rulings that questioned Mark’s leadership, including decisions that prompted INEC to remove officials linked to his faction from its official records.

The crisis has intensified in recent weeks. A planned national convention organised by the Bala-led faction reportedly collapsed after the venue in Abuja was left deserted, raising concerns over the group’s organisational capacity and legitimacy.

Counsel to the party, Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), had disclosed that the apex court granted accelerated hearing, mandating all parties to file briefs within strict timelines.

He noted that the appeal by Mark is seeking, among other reliefs, a stay of execution of the Court of Appeal judgment and an order restraining INEC from acting on it pending final determination.

“Well, the issue before the court fundamentally is whether this is a matter the court can even adjudicate on,” Okutepa said, pointing to underlying constitutional questions surrounding party leadership disputes.

With judgment now reserved, uncertainty continues to loom over the ADC, as party members and political observers await a ruling that could determine its leadership structure and influence its readiness for the 2027 elections.