The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally appealed to the Supreme Court of Nigeria, urging it to urgently deliver judgment in its ongoing leadership dispute, warning that any further delay could jeopardise its participation in the 2027 general elections.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the party stressed that it faces a “grave and irreversible risk” of exclusion if the ruling is not delivered within days. The appeal follows the court’s decision to reserve judgment after hearing arguments on April 22 in a case involving factions within the party.

Legal Battle and Electoral Pressure

The dispute—filed by David Mark—challenges a previous Court of Appeal ruling and centres on the leadership structure of the party. The situation has been compounded by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which recently de-recognised the party’s leadership on its official portal, citing the appellate court’s judgment.

ADC warned that without a recognised leadership, it may be unable to meet INEC’s requirements, including the submission of membership registers ahead of the electoral timetable. The party argued that this could effectively disenfranchise millions of its supporters.

Wider Political Implications

The development comes amid heightened political realignments ahead of 2027, with ADC positioning itself as a key platform for opposition coalition talks. The party also raised concerns about what it described as a pattern of destabilisation targeting opposition groups, warning of a shrinking democratic space.

At the same time, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has dismissed claims of internal division, insisting that reports of factionalisation are false and politically motivated. The party said it remains united and prepared to withstand both “genuine and manufactured aggression.”

Legal Perspectives

Legal experts have, however, urged caution against rushing the court. Senior Advocate Victor Opara noted that the Supreme Court must prioritise thoroughness over speed, given the complexity and national implications of such cases.

Another legal practitioner, Evans Ufeli, described the situation as a delicate intersection of law and politics, warning that even neutral judicial delays could have significant political consequences due to electoral deadlines.

Meanwhile, lawyer Charles Ugwuanyi argued that courts have the authority to protect parties from being disadvantaged by procedural timelines, suggesting that judicial intervention could still allow ADC to participate if necessary.

What Lies Ahead

With INEC’s deadline approaching, the timing of the Supreme Court’s decision is now critical—not just for ADC’s political future, but for broader perceptions of fairness and inclusiveness in Nigeria’s electoral process.

The coming days are expected to be decisive, as both legal and political stakes continue to rise ahead of the 2027 elections.