Supreme Court Nigeria Resolves PDP and ADC Leadership Crises

The Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered two critical rulings on April 30, 2026, resolving leadership disputes within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The court restored the ADC leadership under Senator David Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola by setting aside a previous Court of Appeal order. This ruling reversed a move by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove their names from the official portal.

Conversely, the court nullified a PDP national convention held in Ibadan in November 2025, ruling that the event was conducted in blatant disobedience of a valid court order. This decision voided the leadership of the Tanimu Turaki-led faction. Following the verdict, the PDP Board of Trustees assumed national leadership of the party to prevent a power vacuum.

While some party members viewed the ruling as a means to unify the party and end factionalism, others described the verdict as a dangerous bend for multi-party democracy. These judicial resolutions occur as Nigerian political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.