The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is calling on the Supreme Court to expedite judgment in its appeal against factional members, warning that further delay could jeopardise its chances of participating in the 2027 general elections.
The party outlined concerns over the implications of a pending ruling in Suit No: SC/CV/180/2026 involving Senator David Mark, Nafiu Bala Gombe and four other respondents.
The ADC, in a formal letter dated April 28, 2026, addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun and signed by its counsel, Shuaibu E. Aruwa (SAN), obtained by Arise News in Abuja, said that the appeal was heard on April 22, 2026, with judgment reserved for a later date yet to be announced.
The legal team stressed the urgency of the matter in the light of recent developments affecting the internal leadership structure of the ADC.
The petition said the actions attributed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following a lower court decision, have resulted in the withdrawal of recognition of the party’s leadership, leaving its organisational framework uncertain despite its continued status as a registered political party.
“My Lord, this appeal was graciously heard expeditiously on the 22nd April, 2026 and judgment was thereafter reserved to a date to be communicated by the court,” the letter said.
While drawing attention to the electoral timetable already released for the 2027 elections, Aruwa argued that time is of the essence, maintaining that compliance with statutory requirements for participation in the elections depends significantly on the resolution of the leadership dispute.
“My Lord, the ADC’s ability to comply with these statutory requirements to participate in the 2027 general elections is wholly dependent on the timely delivery of the judgment in the instant Appeal,” the letter read.
The ADC warned of potential consequences if the judgment is not delivered promptly, suggesting that delays could affect its preparedness for key electoral processes.
“Without the delivery of judgment within the next three days from the date of this letter, the ADC stands the grave and irreversible risk of being excluded from participating in the 2027 General Elections,” the counsel stated.
The petitioner also highlighted broader democratic implications, pointing to the interests of party members and supporters across the country.
“This would disenfranchise millions of Nigerians who have subscribed to the ideals of the ADC and deny them their constitutional right to freely associate and contest elections through a political party of their choice,” the petition added.
While acknowledging the demanding schedule of the apex court, Aruwa appealed for timely judicial intervention, emphasising the significance of the matter.
He said, “My Lord, we are mindful of the enormous responsibilities and workload of this Honourable Court. We are equally aware that justice delayed, in this peculiar circumstance, would amount to justice denied.”
By Friday Olokor
