Nigeria’s political landscape is set for a crucial legal showdown as the Supreme Court of Nigeria prepares to hear key appeals on Tuesday arising from leadership crises within two major opposition parties, the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
At the centre of the ADC dispute is former Senate President David Mark, who is challenging a Court of Appeal ruling that affects his position as the party’s National Chairman. His appeal will be heard alongside that of a faction within the PDP backed by Seyi Makinde, and led by Tanimu Turaki.
The PDP faction is contesting an appellate court judgment that nullified its national convention and leadership structure. The group argues that allowing the ruling to stand could destabilise the party, hence its decision to seek a final verdict from the apex court.
In the ADC case, Mark is asking the court to halt the enforcement of the appellate court’s March 12 judgment until his appeal is fully determined. He also wants the electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), restrained from recognising any other leadership aside from his.
The appeal, which lists several respondents including Rauf Aregbesola and former party chairman Ralph Nwosu, is expected to address broader questions about party leadership legitimacy and internal democracy.
Interestingly, the Supreme Court hearing coincides with a related case scheduled at the Federal High Court before Justice Emeka Nwite. However, legal experts suggest the lower court may suspend its proceedings in deference to the apex court.
Mark’s legal team argues that without urgent intervention, the appellate court ruling could be enforced in a way that renders the appeal meaningless.
The crisis intensified after INEC removed the names of Mark and Aregbesola from its official records as ADC national officers, following the appellate court decision. In response, Mark approached the Federal High Court, seeking to have their names restored and the matter expedited.
The leadership tussle has also exposed deep divisions within the ADC. A faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe has challenged the legitimacy of Mark’s leadership, while both camps have dismissed a separate group loyal to the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, branding them as impostors.
The Kachikwu-aligned group, however, has backed INEC’s decision and claimed to have formed a new leadership structure after holding what it described as a valid National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja.
With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the outcome of these legal battles could significantly shape the strength and unity of Nigeria’s opposition parties.
For now, all eyes are on the Supreme Court, whose rulings are expected to provide clarity and possibly determine the future direction of both parties.
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