The Supreme Court has fixed Thursday, April 30 2026, for judgment in the leadership dispute rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC), bringing a key moment in the prolonged legal battle within the opposition party.
The Independent Mirror reports that the apex court had earlier reserved judgment after hearing final arguments from parties in the case, but on Wednesday announced that its decision would be delivered by 2pm on Thursday.
A five member panel of the court, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, had previously adjourned for judgment after all parties adopted their final written addresses.
The case stems from a leadership tussle involving a faction led by former Senate President David Mark, who is challenging the March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal which ordered parties to maintain the status quo pending resolution of the dispute.
In his appeal, Mark argued that the lower court exceeded its jurisdiction, insisting that the matter relates to internal party affairs beyond judicial interference.
The suit was initiated by aggrieved party members led by Nafi’u Bala Gombe, who are contesting the legitimacy of the Mark led leadership structure.
Other respondents include the African Democratic Congress, its National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and former national chairman Ralph Nwosu.
Mark is also seeking an order restraining INEC from recognising any leadership other than his faction, pending the determination of the appeal.
However, the respondents have urged the Supreme Court to dismiss the appeal, insisting that the Court of Appeal acted within its jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, in a letter dated April 28, 2026, the Mark led faction appealed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, warning that any delay in delivering judgment could jeopardise the party’s participation in the 2027 general elections.
The letter, signed by counsel Shaibu Enejoh Aruwa, argued that without a timely ruling, the ADC risks exclusion from the electoral process due to leadership uncertainty affecting compliance with INEC requirements.
The faction further stressed that millions of supporters could be disenfranchised if the party is unable to meet statutory obligations ahead of the elections.
It added that while it respects the workload of the apex court, delayed judgment in the matter could have far reaching political consequences for the party’s future participation in national elections.
