The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in the appeals concerning leadership disputes within the Peoples Democratic Party and the African Democratic Congress. A five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba announced the decision after hearing arguments from legal representatives of all parties involved. The PDP case stems from its national convention in Ibadan last year, which produced the Tanimu Turaki-led executive, later nullified by the Court of Appeal. That court recognised the faction aligned with Nyesom Wike, whose loyalists are now in control despite opposition from figures like Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. The Turaki faction appealed, arguing that lower courts overstepped by intervening in internal party matters. ADC's crisis began when INEC derecognised Senator David Mark as national chairman, citing a Court of Appeal order. Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe claims leadership, though INEC has not recognised him. Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), representing Mark, cited a March 21, 2025 Supreme Court ruling that no court has jurisdiction over internal party affairs. Robert Emukpero (SAN), for Gombe, urged the court to dismiss the appeal as premature. The judgments will be delivered on a date yet to be communicated.
Nyesom Wike leads a court-recognised PDP faction despite his active support for President Tinubu's re-election, creating a direct conflict between his political allegiance and the party's opposition status. The same court system now deciding the PDP's future previously cleared the way for Wike's faction, raising questions about judicial consistency in party disputes. If the apex court upholds that ruling, it may legitimise a PDP leadership that backs the president it is meant to challenge. This undermines the party's credibility as a viable opposition force ahead of 2027.
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