Supreme Court PDP ADC leadership crisis deepens as apex court prepares to rule on disputes affecting both opposition parties in Nigeria
Nigeria’s Supreme Court is set to deliver judgment on Thursday in multiple appeals arising from leadership crises within the Peoples Democratic Party and the African Democratic Congress, in rulings expected to shape the future of two major opposition parties.
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The apex court confirmed on Wednesday that it will rule on four separate appeals linked to internal disputes in both parties, following a series of conflicting judgments from lower courts.
At the centre of the Peoples Democratic Party dispute is the legality of its November 2025 national convention held in Ibadan.
A faction led by Tanimu Turaki is seeking to overturn earlier court rulings that nullified the exercise after a leadership challenge and objections over delegate selection and internal procedures.
The Court of Appeal had previously upheld decisions stopping recognition of the convention, citing breaches including invalid state congresses and procedural irregularities.
The court also criticised the decision to proceed with the exercise despite earlier judicial orders.
The Supreme Court is also reviewing an appeal challenging restrictions placed on the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognising the outcome of the disputed convention, further escalating the stakes in the political dispute.
In the African Democratic Congress, the leadership crisis has intensified with rival factions laying claim to control of the party.
A case filed by former Senate President David Mark is challenging earlier appellate rulings that temporarily validated a leadership arrangement pending resolution of the crisis.
However, a fresh ruling from the Federal High Court in Abuja has added a new layer of complexity, restraining INEC from recognising congresses organised by committees linked to the Mark-led caretaker leadership.
The court further held that only constitutionally recognised state structures can conduct valid party congresses, effectively voiding recent attempts by the caretaker committee to oversee state-level exercises.
Reactions have been sharply divided among party stakeholders.
While some aligned with opposing factions welcomed or rejected the rulings, political observers say the conflicting judgments have deepened uncertainty within the party structures.
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With legal battles intensifying and political factions entrenching their positions, attention now turns to the Supreme Court, whose decisions are expected to have far-reaching implications for party stability and Nigeria’s opposition landscape ahead of future elections.
