The Supreme Court of Nigeria is set to deliver a series of crucial judgments that could significantly influence the internal stability and political future of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. Notices issued by the court indicate that rulings will be handed down in four separate appeals tied to ongoing leadership disputes within both parties.

For the PDP, the appeals revolve around the legitimacy of its national convention held in Ibadan in November 2025. A faction led by Tanimu Turaki is seeking to overturn earlier judgments by lower courts, which invalidated the convention on the grounds that it defied an existing court order. That order had restrained the party from proceeding with the convention without accommodating Sule Lamido as a contestant. The courts had ruled that Lamido was unfairly denied participation, rendering the entire exercise procedurally flawed. Despite this, the convention went ahead, prompting legal challenges that escalated to the apex court.

In addition, another PDP appeal is contesting a directive that barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising or recognising the disputed convention. Lower courts had earlier upheld the restriction, citing failure to meet statutory requirements, including proper notice and valid state congresses needed to produce eligible delegates.

Meanwhile, the ADC is also entangled in a leadership tussle that has drawn judicial scrutiny. A key appeal filed by David Mark challenges a Court of Appeal ruling that ordered the maintenance of the status quo in a dispute involving competing claims to the party’s national chairmanship. Other figures in the contest include Nafiu Bala Gombe and Temitope Ogga. Mark argues that the matter is an internal party issue beyond the jurisdiction of the courts.

The situation has been further complicated by a Federal High Court ruling delivered by Joyce Abdulmalik, which restrained INEC from recognising congresses organised by the Mark-led faction of the ADC. The court also affirmed that only duly elected state executives have the authority to conduct such processes, effectively nullifying actions taken by the caretaker leadership.

Reactions to the judgment have been mixed. While some party members, including Dumebi Kachikwu, welcomed the decision as a victory against alleged attempts to hijack the party, others within the Mark-led camp, represented by Bolaji Abdullahi, said they would review the ruling and determine their next steps.

Analysts have warned that the ongoing legal battles could weaken the ADC’s preparedness for the 2027 elections if not resolved swiftly. Observers also note that the Supreme Court’s pending decisions will be pivotal in determining leadership legitimacy, party cohesion, and overall electoral competitiveness for both opposition parties.