The Supreme Court of Nigeria is scheduled to deliver judgments in two major political appeals involving leadership crises in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The cases, listed under political appeals on the court’s cause list for April 30, 2026, come amid heightened political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections. Judgment in the ADC case has been fixed for 2 p.m., while the time for the PDP matter has not been disclosed.

The ADC dispute centres on a prolonged leadership tussle between former Senate President David Mark and a rival faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe.

Mark is challenging a March 12 ruling by the Court of Appeal, which directed parties to maintain the status quo in the crisis. He argues that the appellate court exceeded its jurisdiction, insisting that the matter is an internal party issue not subject to judicial interference.

The appeal was heard on April 22 by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba, which subsequently reserved judgment.

Ahead of the ruling, counsel to the ADC urged the apex court to deliver judgment promptly, warning that delays could jeopardise the party’s participation in the 2027 elections.

In a letter to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the party’s lawyers expressed concern over actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that the commission had relied on a lower court decision to withdraw recognition of the party’s leadership.

They argued that the situation has effectively left the ADC without a recognised leadership structure, despite remaining a registered political party.

The lawyers further linked the urgency of the judgment to the electoral timetable already released by INEC, noting that compliance with statutory requirements for the 2027 polls depends on the outcome of the appeal.

They warned that any delay could expose the party to the risk of exclusion from the elections, potentially disenfranchising its supporters nationwide.