Nigeria’s major opposition parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), face a decisive day today as the Supreme Court hears critical appeals that could determine their leadership and participation in the 2027 general elections.
The apex court is expected to rule on appeals filed by factions within both parties. For the ADC, the case involves the leadership tussle between the David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola-led National Working Committee and the faction led by Nafiu Bala.
Similarly, the PDP faction led by Kabiru Turaki is challenging recent Court of Appeal judgments.
In spite of the legal uncertainty, the ADC has resolved to proceed with its National Convention today at the Rainbow Events Centre in Abuja after being denied access to Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome.
ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the venue denial as “an obvious assault on democracy” and an attempt to impose one-party rule.
“Even though we are an opposition political party, the Eagle Square does not belong to the APC. Generations of political parties have used the venue until President Bola Tinubu converts it to a property of the ruling party,” he said.
The party’s convention, themed “So the Nation May Work,” is expected to affirm the David Mark-led leadership, ratify a reviewed constitution and manifesto.
Former Cross River Governor Liyel Imoke is personally supervising arrangements at the venue, alongside other key figures including Emeka Ihedioha, Aminu Tambuwal, Olumide Akpata, and Kola Ologbondiyan.
Meanwhile, a fresh crisis has erupted in Adamawa State, where a faction of the ADC suspended former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former SGF Babachir Lawal.
The faction’s chairman, Raji Sulaiman Zumo, announced the suspension on Monday.Babachir Lawal dismissed the action, describing those behind it as “Indian hemp smokers” who should not be taken seriously.
The Adamawa State ADC Chairman, Shehu Yohanna, also rejected the suspension, stating that Raji no longer holds any position in the party.
The ADC has been battling multiple factions, with INEC having earlier derecognised the David Mark leadership pending court resolution.
A similar leadership crisis persists in the PDP.Apprehension is high that a Supreme Court order sending the cases back to the lower courts could disrupt the parties’ preparation timelines ahead of the 2027 elections.
The outcome is being closely watched as concerns grow over the future of a viable opposition in Nigeria’s political landscape.
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