By Wellington Jopelo
Fresh uncertainty has gripped Nigeria’s political space after the Supreme Court reserved judgment in the leadership disputes rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The apex court, sitting with a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba, heard arguments from all parties but declined to fix a date for its final ruling, leaving both parties in suspense.
The development comes at a critical time, as the Independent National Electoral Commission has already outlined key timelines for the 2027 general elections, including deadlines for party activities and submissions.
With internal battles still unresolved, both opposition parties now face mounting pressure to stabilise ahead of INEC’s requirements, raising concerns about their readiness for the polls.
The PDP crisis has split the party into rival camps, with one faction pushing to validate a disputed national convention held in Ibadan, while another insists the process violated party rules and legal procedures.
Legal battles over the convention have moved through lower courts, with conflicting judgments now before the Supreme Court for final determination.
At the same time, the ADC is also entangled in its own leadership struggle, which has produced multiple factions and competing claims to control of the party structure.
The dispute has drawn in key political figures and triggered several court cases, further complicating the party’s internal organisation as election preparations gather pace.
For many aspirants on both platforms, the situation has created confusion, as uncertainty over recognised leadership makes it difficult to plan campaigns or participate in primaries.
Despite the tension, party leaders from the different factions have expressed confidence that the Supreme Court will rule in their favour, while urging members to remain calm.
With no judgment date announced, the fate of both parties — and the political ambitions tied to them — now hangs on the Supreme Court’s final decision.