ADC Raises Alarm Over INEC, APC Plots to Disqualify Party From 2027 Election Following Delayed Supreme Court Judgment on Leadership
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns over what it described as a plot to disqualify the party from participating in the 2027 general elections, citing delays in a Supreme Court judgment on its leadership dispute.
Recall that the Supreme Court reserved judgments in the protracted leadership disputes rocking the African Democratic Congress which left many Nigerians wondering if the judgments of the apex court could promote a strong multi-party democracy or encourage the perceived slide to a one-party state.
However, the development has heightened risks for the opposition party amid leadership dispute between David Mark and impostor Nafiu Bala Gombe.
Under the Electoral Act, ADC must submit a valid membership register to INEC by May 10, 2026; unresolved leadership means INEC may reject it, blocking primaries and candidate nomination for 2027 elections.
In a letter written by the party’s lawyers, ADC called on the Supreme Court of Nigeria to deliver judgment without delay in a pending appeal.
In a letter dated April 28, 2026, signed by Shaibu Enejoh Aruwa, SAN, the legal team warned that further delay could jeopardize the party’s participation in the 2027 general elections.
The case, SC/CV/180/2026, involves David Mark versus Nafiu Bala Gombe and others, with the ADC listed as a respondent.
Although the court heard the matter on April 22 and reserved judgment, lawyers cautioned that the Independent National Electoral Commission may act on a lower court ruling, which could lead to the de-recognition of the party’s leadership.
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In the letter, the party warned that the prolonged legal uncertainty surrounding its leadership structure could be exploited to undermine its eligibility for future elections.
