Nigeria’s Supreme Court said it will deliver judgment on Thursday in a leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a case that could shape the opposition party’s structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The apex court disclosed on Wednesday that the ruling would be delivered by 2 p.m.
A five-member panel led by Mohammed Garba had previously reserved judgment after parties adopted their final written addresses.
The dispute centres on rival claims to the party’s leadership, with a faction led by former Senate President David Mark challenging a March 12 decision by the Court of Appeal. The lower court had ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending resolution of the case.
Mark, in his appeal, argued that the appellate court exceeded its jurisdiction, maintaining that the matter was an internal party affair not subject to judicial intervention.
The suit was initiated by aggrieved party members led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, who contest the legitimacy of the Mark-led leadership.
Other respondents include the ADC, its National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and a former national chairman, Ralph Nwosu.Mark is seeking an order restraining INEC from recognising any leadership outside his faction until the appeal is determined.
The respondents, however, have urged the court to dismiss the appeal, arguing that the appellate court acted within its powers.
The ruling is expected to have significant implications for the ADC’s internal structure and its participation in upcoming political activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
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