The Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved judgment in the ongoing leadership disputes within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), deepening uncertainty around both parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, declined to fix a date for judgment after hearing arguments from all parties involved in the appeals challenging earlier court decisions.
The development comes at a crucial time, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already set key timelines for the 2027 elections. Political parties are expected to submit their membership registers by May 10, while party primaries are scheduled to hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026.
According to the electoral timetable, campaigns for presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, while governorship and state assembly campaigns are set to commence on September 9, 2026.
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However, the internal crises rocking both the PDP and ADC have raised concerns about their readiness for the electoral process. Multiple court cases, factional leadership struggles, and conflicting claims to party structures have made it difficult for both parties to organise effectively.
Within the PDP, the crisis has split the party into rival factions with competing leadership and legal battles over the validity of its 2025 national convention. Similarly, the ADC has been entangled in its own leadership tussle, resulting in parallel factions and prolonged litigation.
The uncertainty has left many aspirants confused about their political future, as the lack of clarity over party leadership and structure makes it difficult to determine the appropriate platform for contesting elections.
With INEC deadlines fast approaching, the situation has heightened anxiety within both parties, as members and stakeholders await the Supreme Court’s final decision, which is expected to determine the direction and stability of their internal structures ahead of 2027.
