Uncertainty is deepening across Nigeria’s political landscape as the Supreme Court reserves judgment in a string of appeals tied to leadership disputes within major opposition parties, a move that could shape their eligibility for the 2027 general elections.
The apex court, sitting in Abuja, heard arguments from all parties involved in the crises affecting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), but declined to fix a date for its ruling. The decision leaves both parties in a holding pattern at a critical moment, with timelines set by the electoral body fast approaching.
At the heart of the matter is a looming deadline requiring political parties to submit updated membership registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by May 10. For the ADC, which currently has no recognised leadership due to internal divisions, the absence of a definitive court ruling could have far-reaching consequences, including the risk of being excluded from the ballot.
The PDP, while also embroiled in legal battles, appears to have a temporary structure in place. Court decisions earlier reshaped its leadership, with a faction currently recognised by INEC maintaining control pending the Supreme Court’s verdict. However, competing appeals and cross-appeals mean that the party’s final leadership configuration remains unresolved.
Legal teams representing various factions argued over jurisdiction and internal party governance, with some insisting that such disputes should not be subject to judicial intervention. Others urged the court to uphold earlier rulings that nullified party conventions and validated suspensions of key officials. After adopting their processes, all parties now await the court’s pronouncement.
Political observers say the delay underscores broader governance concerns within party systems, particularly the ability of institutions to resolve internal disputes in time for electoral processes. With the clock ticking, the eventual ruling is expected not only to determine leadership legitimacy but also to influence the strength and participation of opposition parties in the next general elections.
