Supreme court verdict 2027 election: ADC, PDP brace for impact

By: Abudu Olalekan

Today is one of those days where everyone in Abuja stops what they’re doing. The Supreme Court is finally dropping judgment on the leadership fights rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). If you know anything about Nigerian politics, you know this could reshape the opposition before the 2027 general elections even start.

Word going round is that party bosses had an emergency huddle Wednesday night. They weren’t just chatting. They were mapping out scenarios. Trying to figure out what comes next if the gavel drops their way or against them.

Political commentator Imran Wakili spilled the tea on X. He said ADC leaders locked themselves away to review possible outcomes. Important detail though? You wouldn’t find Peter Obi or Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso there. Their absence spoke volumes. Still, they see ADC as their main platform for 2027.

Then things got messy fast. Just before the big SC ruling, a Federal High Court stepped in. On Wednesday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik put a handbrake on INEC. They can’t recognize the ADC congresses run by David Mark’s faction yet. Not until the dust settles on these internal squabbles.

David Mark didn’t blink. Through his publicity secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, he hit back on X. Assured everyone ADC would be on the ballot come election time. No fear.

“You do not have anything to be afraid of regarding all the litigations before the party,” Mark told members after the FHC briefing. He sounded certain. “I want to assure you that we shall triumph… We are more than prepared and ready for these cases.”

He admitted he isn’t a lawyer, but promised to lead from the front. Says legal team already appealed and asked for a stay of execution. But wait, Dumebi Kachikwu—the 2023 presidential aspirant—has a different vibe. She backed the FHC ruling alongside state chairmen. Said they won’t allow hijacking.

Back in April, the five-man panel headed by Justice Mohammed Garba heard the appeals. Didn’t give a date then. But our checks on Reportersroom shows the cause list changed. Matters added for Thursday, April 30, 2026. Judgment fixed for 2pm. Both the PDP case (SC/CV/166/2026) and ADC matter (SC/CV/180/2026).

Timing is everything here. INEC set May 10 as deadline for membership registers. Elections slated for January 16, 2027, for President and Assembly. Governorship runs later, February 6. Primaries and disputes? Between April and May 2026. Campaigns kick off August and September.

The pressure is mounting. Reportersroom confirms the ADC dispute really centers on Mark versus rival faction led by Nafiu Gombe. Mark is challenging a Court of Appeal decision that said keep status quo. He argues it’s internal party business. Courts shouldn’t touch it. Respondents including Rauf Aregbesola say otherwise.

Lawyers for ADC wrote directly to Chief Justice recently. Urged a 3-day turnaround. Letter dated April 28, 2026, from S.E. Aruwa & Co. Warned delay could kill participation in 2027 polls. Basically saying without leadership recognized, they risk getting left out. “Justice delayed… would amount to justice denied.” Heavy words.

Who’s watching the proceedings? Big names from both sides. From Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s PDP camp? Tanimu Turaki (SAN), Taofeek Arapaja, Babangida Aliyu. From Minister Nyesom Wike’s side? Abdulrahman Mohammed, Samuel Anyanwu, Umaru Bature. Everyone present.

Earlier, the FHC in Abuja gave another piece of the puzzle. Justice Abdulmalik ruled that caretaker leadership couldn’t organize congresses. Only elected structures have that power. She referenced section 223 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 23 of ADC Constitution. Two terms max. Eight years.

“The question is whether there is any infraction committed by Mr Mark and co-defendants,” she asked. Even though courts usually stay out of party wars, she clarified. Where constitutional provisions breach? Duty to intervene. Deviation from procedures cant be justified under guise of internal autonomy. So appointment of congress committee set aside. INEC barred from recognizing it.

Kingsley Oggah, Chairman of ADC state chairmen, called it a relief. “We don’t want this party to die because we have laboured so much.” Fear is real. INEC threatened deregistration if they cant field candidates. So folding arms? Not an option.

Bolaji Abdullahi however said Mark’s team ordered a review. Statement read: “attention drawn to media reports… sacked the elected, but yet to be inaugurated, state chairmen.” They claim tenure runs full course anyway. Contradiction? Maybe. Legal teams will sort it.

Ralph Nwosu, founding National Chairman, came out swinging too. Said 2027 elections cant happen without ADC on ballot. At summit Tuesday, he claimed they have enough support to unseat President Tinubu. Claimed coalition made phenomenal gains.

“The culture is dirty,” Nwosu said bluntly. Hard to change but gonna try. “Tinubu and Amupitan cannot conduct any election in this country if ADC is not on the ballot.” Claims 5 million members signed up. Wants to reach 11 million contributors.

Youth leader Balarabe Rufai chimed in last. Demanded 35% affirmative action. Not just talk. Sacrosanct non-negotiable commitments. About 10–15 State Houses slots per state designated for young people.

So today hangs in balance. Whether ADC gets recognition or stays in limbo depends on those three words from the judges. Politics moves fast. But law moves slower. And right now, millions of supporters are holding their breath waiting to see who gets the keys to the kingdom.

Expect chaos if the ruling goes wrong. Expect celebration if it lands right. One thing sure though—things wont be quiet after 2pm today.