By Peter Effiom
On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the Supreme Court of Nigeria is set to hear two distinct challenges related to leadership conflicts in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
ADC National Chairman David Mark’s appeal and that of the PDP factional leadership, led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN) and supported by Governor Seyi Makinde, are scheduled to be heard. Both appeals contest Court of Appeal rulings.
The two rulings from the Federal High Court in Abuja that prohibited the PDP from holding its national convention in Ibadan in 2025 are being appealed by the Turaki-led PDP. The PDP is contesting the ruling of the appeal court, which declared its national convention and leadership structure invalid.
The faction had appealed to the Supreme Court for a definitive ruling on the matter because they believed that the ruling would destabilize the party if it were to be upheld.
In the other appeal, David Mark is requesting an injunction to halt the implementation of the March 12 appellate court ruling that has an impact on the ADC’s leadership.
Nafiu-Bala Gombe, the ADC, Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and Ralph Nwosu, the former national chairman of the ADC, are ranked first through fifth by Mark.
In order to prevent INEC from recognizing anyone other than him and the party’s existing national officers while the appeal is being heard and decided, Mark is requesting that the court halt the execution of the appellate court’s ruling. Additionally, he requested an order prohibiting INEC from interfering with the party’s current leadership structure.
Now, all eyes are on the top court to settle the disputes and give the parties justice in accordance with the law and public policy.
The highest appellate court in Nigeria is the Supreme Court of Nigeria (SCN), whose rulings are final and binding on all subordinate courts.
The SCN has repeatedly held that the court has no jurisdiction to make decisions regarding internal political party activities, including leadership disputes, nominations, and primary elections.
Instead of going to court right away, party members are expected to use internal procedures to settle disputes. Courts only get involved when something violates the Electoral Act or the Nigerian Constitution.
Reiterating that such matters are not justiciable, the Supreme Court overturned a lower court’s decision on a leadership conflict in a 2025 decision pertaining to the PDP. Will the Supreme Court uphold its earlier rulings regarding the appeals from the PDP and ADC?
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