2027 Polls: ADC Still in Trouble as Legal Hurdles Fester Beyond Supreme Court’s Verdict

The recent Supreme Court decision may have offered a reprieve for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), but as this report from Vanguard highlights, the party remains entangled in a complex web of litigation that threatens its very viability ahead of the 2027 general elections. The euphoria surrounding the court's verdict is tempered by the harsh reality of internal wrangling and the looming deadlines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

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Beyond the euphoria of Supreme Court’s recent decision that handed a lifeline to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the party still faces a complex web of litigation that could jeopardize its participation and competitiveness in the 2027 general elections.

At the heart of the crisis are disputes over the soul of the party. Long-standing members feel sidelined by individuals they perceive as usurpers, leading to a fierce struggle for control at both national and sub-national levels. The case filed by House of Representatives member Leke Abejide, seeking to bar Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from parading themselves as National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively, is a prime example of this internal conflict. The plaintiff's demand to nullify the handover of leadership to Mark and Aregbesola underscores the deep divisions within the ADC.

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The party is still deeply embroiled in make-or-break court cases. At the fulcrum of the litigations are internal wranglings over the soul of the party.

From a Nigerian perspective, the situation within the ADC is a microcosm of the broader challenges facing political parties in our country. The constant battles for leadership, often fueled by personal ambition rather than ideological conviction, can paralyze parties and undermine the democratic process. The Electoral Act 2026 and INEC's timetable impose strict requirements for party participation, and the ADC's current legal quagmire puts it at a severe disadvantage. The success of these pending litigations could render the Supreme Court's decision a hollow victory, potentially jeopardizing the ADC's ability to field competitive candidates and participate meaningfully in the upcoming elections. This internal strife distracts from the crucial task of policy formulation and national development, a common concern for many Nigerian political observers.

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Pursuant to Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026, political parties must submit their membership registers no later than 21 days before conducting primary elections.