The Supreme Court of Nigeria has scheduled an accelerated hearing in the ongoing leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), fixing April 22, 2026, as the date to address the crisis dividing the party.
The decision is seen as a significant development in the factional conflict, which has disrupted the party’s leadership structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Lawal Garba, approved the expedited hearing and aligned the ADC case with a similar leadership dispute affecting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The dispute intensified following a wave of high-profile defections into the ADC, including former Senate President David Mark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola. The influx of political heavyweights triggered a power struggle between the Mark-led faction and another group loyal to Nafiu Bala.
The crisis escalated on April 1 when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) removed the names of Mark and Aregbesola from its official records, citing a Court of Appeal ruling directing parties to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of the case.
In response, Mark’s legal team, led by Jibrin Okutepa, approached the Supreme Court with an affidavit of urgency, arguing that the development had effectively left the party without recognised national leadership at a critical time.
The court has directed the Mark-led faction to file its legal arguments within 24 hours, while respondents have been given three days to respond, underscoring the urgency of the matter.
Meanwhile, a separate judgment on the dispute is still pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja, adding another layer to the legal battle over the party’s leadership.
Political observers say the outcome of the April 22 hearing could play a decisive role in determining the future of the ADC as it prepares for the next electoral cycle.
