The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has appealed to the Supreme Court to deliver judgment in its leadership dispute before Friday, warning that any further delay could jeopardise the party’s chances of participating in the 2027 general elections.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the party said failure to determine the appeal within three days could disenfranchise millions of Nigerians who intend to vote for the ADC and its candidates in the next election cycle.
The letter, dated April 28 and signed by the party’s lead counsel, Shuaibu Aruwa (SAN), recalled that the apex court heard the matter on April 22 and reserved judgment for a later date yet to be communicated.
ADC argued that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), acting on an earlier Court of Appeal ruling, had removed or ceased recognising the party’s current leadership, leaving it without an acknowledged national structure despite remaining a registered political party.
According to the party, the unresolved dispute could affect its ability to meet statutory deadlines contained in INEC’s timetable for the 2027 elections, including nomination processes and other preparatory activities.
The legal battle centres on rival claims to the party leadership involving former Senate President David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe. The Supreme Court had earlier fast-tracked hearing of the matter amid concerns over the opposition party’s future.
ADC maintained that, in the peculiar circumstances of the case, justice delayed would amount to justice denied, as the political future of the party and expectations of its members now hang in the balance.
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