African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally petitioned the Supreme Court of Nigeria through the Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, seeking an expedited judgment on its pending appeal over the party’s leadership dispute.
In a letter submitted by its counsel, Shuaibu Aruwa (SAN), the party warned that continued delay could undermine its preparations and participation in the 2027 general elections.
The case before the apex court involves the rival leadership claims between the Senator David Mark-led National Working Committee and Nafiu Bala-Gombe, alongside other respondents, with the crisis further complicated by actions of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
ADC expressed concern that INEC’s derecognition of its leadership has created uncertainty around its standing, despite remaining a registered political party.
Although the Supreme Court recently reserved judgment after hearing arguments from both parties, the ADC said the delay is critical given the May 30 deadline set by the Electoral Act 2026 for submission of candidates.
While counsel to Mark, Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), argued that courts lack jurisdiction over internal party matters, opposing counsel, Robert Emukpero (SAN), urged the court to uphold the lower court ruling that dismissed the appeal as premature.