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The Supreme Court is set to deliver its much-anticipated judgment today, Thursday, on the leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a ruling seen as crucial to the political future of both parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The apex court’s verdict comes after nearly 10 days of uncertainty and growing anxiety among party stakeholders over the dispute surrounding the authentic leadership of the two opposition parties.
The five-member panel of justices had reserved judgment last Wednesday after hearing final arguments from lawyers representing both the ADC and the rival Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the PDP.
The panel, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, announced that judgment would be delivered on a later date after all parties adopted their briefs of argument for and against the appeals.
Sources confirmed on Wednesday that the Supreme Court fixed Thursday, April 30, for the final ruling.
The judgment is expected to determine whether the ADC and the affected PDP faction can validly participate in the 2027 elections or face exclusion from the electoral process.
A favourable ruling for the appeal would strengthen the David Mark-led leadership and clear the way for the party to field candidates for all elective offices in the next general elections.
However, if the appeal fails, the ADC risks being shut out of the polls on the grounds that it lacks a legally recognised leadership structure capable of conducting and supervising the nomination of candidates.
Political observers say the decision could reshape opposition politics in Nigeria, especially as both the ADC and PDP position themselves to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
