2027 Polls: Supreme Court to Decide PDP, ADC Fate Today

ABUJA — The Supreme Court is set to deliver crucial judgments today that could determine the future of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The apex court had earlier notified parties that it would rule on four separate appeals arising from leadership crises within the two opposition parties.
Focus of the Appeals
The PDP appeals seek validation of the party’s national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025.
In contrast, the ADC cases revolve around internal leadership disputes and whether courts can intervene in what is described as the party’s domestic affairs. The court is also expected to determine the authentic national chairman among Senator David Mark, Nafiu Bala Gombe, and Temitope Ogga.
Lower Court Ruling on ADC Congresses
Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abuja has barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising congresses conducted by the Mark-led faction of the ADC.
The court ruled that only duly elected state executive committees—not a caretaker national leadership—have the authority to organise such congresses. It also restrained the Mark-led group from interfering with existing state party structures.
Supreme Court Proceedings
A five-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, reserved judgment on April 22 after hearing arguments from all parties.
PDP Dispute
One of the appeals, filed by the Tanimu Turaki-led faction, challenges earlier judgments that invalidated the Ibadan convention.
Both the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal had ruled that the convention violated court orders, particularly one that required the inclusion of former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, as a contestant for national chairman.
The courts held that the PDP acted in contempt by proceeding with the convention despite the restraining order.
Another appeal seeks to overturn the decision barring INEC from monitoring the convention. However, lower courts had ruled that the process failed to meet legal requirements, including the conduct of valid state congresses and proper notice to INEC.
ADC Leadership Crisis
In the ADC case, Senator David Mark is challenging a Court of Appeal ruling that maintained the status quo in the party’s leadership dispute.
Mark argues that the matter is purely internal and not subject to judicial intervention. He is seeking an order compelling INEC to recognise him and his team as the legitimate leadership of the party.
INEC had earlier removed Mark and the party’s national secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, from its official portal, citing the appellate court’s directive.
Conflicting Court Positions
While the Supreme Court prepares to rule, the Federal High Court has already nullified congresses conducted by the Mark-led faction.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that the caretaker leadership lacked the legal authority to organise the congresses and affirmed that the tenure of existing state executives remains valid.
Reactions to the Judgment
A chieftain of the ADC, Kachikwu, described the ruling as a victory against attempts to hijack the party.
“The ADC is not for sale. Those who tried to hijack it have been shown the way out,” he said.
However, the Mark-led faction, through its spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party would review the judgment and decide its next line of action.
Concerns Over Political Impact
The Abuja-based Heritage Centre described the ruling as evidence of “state capture,” alleging political interference.
Legal practitioner Idris Faro warned that the crisis could weaken the ADC’s chances in the 2027 elections if not resolved quickly.
Similarly, Lanre Arogundade of the International Press Centre noted that the party risks being unable to participate in the elections if leadership disputes persist.
What Lies Ahead
Today’s Supreme Court rulings are expected to provide clarity on the leadership of both parties and determine their readiness for the 2027 general elections.
The decisions could significantly reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape in the lead-up to the polls.