The African Democratic Congress has asked the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to ensure the Supreme Court quickly delivers judgment in the party’s leadership dispute, warning that further delay could affect its participation in the 2027 general elections.
The request was made in a letter dated April 28 and sent by the faction led by former Senate President David Mark through its legal counsel, Shuaibu Aruwa. The party said the appeal, already heard by the Supreme Court on April 22, has become urgent because election activities have begun and deadlines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission are drawing close.
According to the party, the pending judgment has left uncertainty around its leadership after actions linked to earlier lower court rulings reportedly affected recognition of the party’s structure. ADC argued that without a final decision from the apex court, its preparations for the coming elections could suffer serious setbacks.
The party pointed to INEC’s timetable, which includes a May 10 deadline for submission of membership registers and an ongoing schedule for party primaries, as reasons the court should act without delay. It said the judgment is needed to settle the crisis and allow the party meet legal requirements for participating in the elections.
ADC warned that if the ruling is delayed much longer, the party could face exclusion from the electoral process, a development it said would affect members and supporters across the country. It also argued that unresolved leadership questions may create problems in complying with election guidelines and carrying out party activities.
The Supreme Court had reserved judgment after hearing arguments in appeals challenging decisions from lower courts over the leadership tussle. No date was fixed for the ruling, a situation that prompted the fresh appeal to the Chief Justice.
The party maintained that the issue goes beyond an internal dispute and now touches on its political future ahead of the 2027 polls. It said timely judgment is necessary so its structures can function properly before primaries, campaigns and other electoral processes move further..
The case has drawn attention because of the timing, with political parties already adjusting to election schedules and internal preparations. For ADC, the outcome of the Supreme Court case is now seen as central to its readiness for the next general election.