The Supreme Court of Nigeria is set to hear on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, two separate but significant appeals arising from lingering leadership crises within two major opposition parties — the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) .
The apex court had, during its previous sitting on April 14, granted accelerated hearings in all three appeals, recognising the urgency of resolving the disputes ahead of the 2027 general elections .
ADC Crisis: Mark Challenges Appeal Court Verdict
The ADC appeal, marked SC/CV/180/2026, was filed by former Senate President, Senator David Mark, who leads one faction of the party as National Chairman. He is challenging the March 12, 2026 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which dismissed his earlier appeal against a ruling by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja .
That ruling had refused to grant certain injunctive reliefs sought in an ex parte application filed by a chieftain of the party, Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is also laying claim to the party’s national chairmanship .
A five-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, had on April 14 ordered all parties to file and exchange their briefs within a compressed timeline. The court directed Mark’s counsel, Jibril Okutepa (SAN), to file the appellant’s brief, while respondents were given three days to respond. The appellant may file a reply within one day of being served .
Mark is seeking an order staying the execution of the Court of Appeal’s judgment pending the final determination of his appeal. He also wants the Supreme Court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from altering the party’s current leadership structure under him .
PDP Crisis: Turaki Faction Battles for Recognition
On the PDP front, two appeals are before the Supreme Court. Both were filed by a faction loyal to former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, and backed by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde .
The faction is challenging the March 9, 2026 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which upheld earlier Federal High Court rulings that restrained the party from conducting its planned national convention of November 15 and 16, 2025 .
The lower court rulings, delivered by Justices James Omotosho and Peter Lifu, directed the PDP to first comply with relevant statutory provisions, including the Electoral Act and the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, before proceeding with any convention .
One of the appeals arose from a suit filed by three PDP chieftains — Austin Nwachukwu (Imo State Chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia State Chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (South-South Zonal Secretary). The second appeal followed a separate suit by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, who alleged he was unlawfully denied the opportunity to contest for the party’s national chairmanship .
INEC Maintains Neutrality
Amid the legal tussles, INEC had on April 1 announced it would no longer recognise any faction of the ADC, including the Mark-led leadership, until the court determines the substantive dispute .
The electoral umpire said it would not receive further communication from, or deal with, any of the contending groups on matters relating to the party’s affairs. It also declined a request to allow Nafiu Bala Gombe to take over the party’s leadership pending the court’s decision .
Similarly, INEC has refused to recognise any PDP faction, maintaining a policy of neutrality while awaiting judicial clarity .
What to Expect Today
The Supreme Court is expected to take definite steps toward final resolution of these disputes when proceedings commence today. Given the accelerated hearing orders already granted, the apex court may proceed to hear the substantive appeals or issue further directives for their expeditious disposal .
With the 2027 general elections drawing nearer, political observers note that the outcomes of these appeals could significantly reshape the opposition political landscape in Nigeria.
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