The Supreme Court of Nigeria has scheduled Thursday, April 30, 2026, for the delivery of its final judgment in the protracted leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The ruling is set to be announced at 2pm, bringing a significant political and legal battle closer to resolution.
Supreme Court Panel Reserves Judgment
A five-member panel of justices, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, reserved judgment after hearing final submissions from all parties involved in the case. The apex court confirmed that its decision will be delivered on Thursday afternoon, following the conclusion of legal arguments.
Background of the ADC Leadership Crisis
The dispute centers on competing claims to the leadership of the ADC. The Mark-led faction is challenging an earlier Court of Appeal ruling that ordered parties to maintain the status quo. The faction argues that the appellate court exceeded its jurisdiction, maintaining that the matter pertains strictly to internal party affairs and is beyond judicial interference.
The case was initiated by a group of aggrieved 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 former party chairman Ralph Nwosu.
Faction Seeks Restraining Order
The Mark-led faction has also sought an order restraining INEC from recognizing any alternative leadership structure pending the final determination of the case. The faction argues that recognizing a rival leadership would further complicate the party's internal affairs.
Electoral Implications Highlighted
In a letter dated Wednesday, April 28, 2026, counsel to the Mark faction, Shaibu Enejoh Aruwa, appealed for urgency in delivering the judgment, warning of possible electoral consequences. The letter stated: "Without the delivery of judgment within the next three days from the date of this letter, the ADC stands the grave and irreversible risk of being excluded from participating in the 2027 General Elections."
The faction argued that delays could disenfranchise supporters and undermine their constitutional right to participate in elections through their preferred party. It further stressed that the party's preparations for the 2027 elections depended on a swift ruling, citing INEC's already released timetable for electoral activities.
Call for Timely Justice
The letter added that while the court is acknowledged to have a heavy workload, the circumstances require urgent attention to prevent what it described as "justice delayed, justice denied." The Supreme Court is expected to deliver its final verdict on Thursday afternoon, which may determine the direction of the ADC ahead of the next general election.
