National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has assured party members that the ADC will participate fully in the 2027 general elections despite ongoing legal battles. He expressed strong confidence that the party would overcome all court challenges and remain on the ballot nationwide.
Supreme Court Set for Crucial Verdict on ADC, PDP Leadership Crises
After nearly 10 days of uncertainty, the Supreme Court is set to deliver a decisive ruling on April 30 regarding leadership disputes within both the ADC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The judgement follows reserved decisions by a five-member panel after hearing arguments from all parties involved.
The outcome is expected to either solidify or destabilize the chances of both opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
High Stakes: 2027 Election Participation on the Line
Today’s verdict could determine whether the ADC and the Tanimu Turaki-led PDP will participate in the 2027 elections. A favorable ruling would empower both parties to field candidates, while an unfavorable one could exclude them due to leadership disputes affecting their ability to conduct valid primaries.
Court Orders INEC to Withhold Recognition of ADC Congresses
The Federal High Court in Abuja has again restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing ADC state congresses not conducted by duly elected party executives. The court also barred the Mark-led leadership from interfering with state structures or organizing unauthorized congresses.
Leadership Dispute Rocks ADC Structure
The legal tussle within ADC pits the David Mark-led leadership against former Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe. The dispute centers on who holds legitimate authority within the party.
While Mark argues that courts lack jurisdiction over internal party matters, Gombe insists the case is valid and should be upheld.
PDP Also Faces Internal Crisis Over Convention Legitimacy
The PDP is battling its own leadership crisis, stemming from its 2025 national convention in Ibadan. Conflicts between factions loyal to different political figures have led to court rulings nullifying the convention, with the Supreme Court now set to give a final verdict.
ADC Urges Swift Judicial Intervention
ADC has appealed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria for a timely ruling, warning that delays could jeopardize its preparation for the 2027 elections. The party noted that INEC had already withdrawn recognition of its leadership, leaving it in a precarious position.
Mixed Reactions Within ADC Leadership
- Ralph Nwosu, founding chairman, declared that the 2027 elections cannot proceed without ADC’s participation.
- Dumebi Kachikwu, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, insisted the party is “not for sale” and warned against attempts to hijack its structure.
- The party’s legal team has been tasked with reviewing recent court rulings affecting its congresses.
Osun ADC Reassures Members Amid Legal Uncertainty
The Osun State chapter of ADC clarified that recent court rulings did not nullify its congresses but only restrained INEC from recognizing them. The party urged members to remain calm while awaiting the Supreme Court’s final decision.
Final Verdict Expected to Shape Nigeria’s Political Landscape
With both ADC and PDP facing critical legal battles, the Supreme Court’s judgement is poised to significantly influence the dynamics of the 2027 general elections, particularly the strength of opposition against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling APC.
