Judgment Deepens Opposition Party Leadership Crisis Ahead of 2027 Elections
Judiciary Correspondent
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The Court of Appeal in Abuja has restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising state congresses conducted by committees established under the Senator David Mark-led caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a split judgment, the appellate court upheld an earlier ruling that recognised the authority of the party’s elected state executive structures while declaring the disputed congresses inconsistent with existing court orders.
The decision represents another major twist in the ongoing leadership dispute within the opposition party and could significantly affect preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Political analysts believe the ruling may influence candidate emergence, party structures and coalition negotiations already underway across opposition platforms.
The ADC has indicated that it intends to challenge the decision before the Supreme Court, meaning the legal contest is far from over.
Observers say the judgment reinforces the increasingly important role Nigerian courts are playing in determining internal party disputes ahead of major elections.