All Eyes on Nigeria’s Supreme Court as ADC Leadership Case Nears Verdict
ABUJA — A Nigerian civil society group, the Alliance for Democratic Rights (ADR), says the Supreme Court faces a critical test of judicial independence as it prepares to rule on a high-stakes leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, ADR leader Chief Olayinka Yusuf said the justices must decide whether to uphold established legal principles or depart from precedent in a case drawing intense political scrutiny.
“The justices are confronted with a defining moment,” Yusuf said. “They must either adhere to the Constitution and the Electoral Act or risk reversing settled law in a way that could be seen as endorsing anti-democratic forces.”
At the center of the argument is Section 83 of Nigeria’s Electoral Act, which limits judicial intervention in the internal affairs of political parties. Yusuf noted that Nigeria’s apex court has consistently ruled that leadership disputes within parties are non-justiciable and should be resolved internally.
The case has also been clouded by political allegations. Yusuf pointed to claims circulating in political circles that the presidency may be influencing the crisis within the ADC. He referenced reports alleging that the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, had encouraged efforts to destabilize the party while backing a rival claimant in the dispute. NEWSFOCUS has not independently verified these claims.
“It would undermine confidence in the judiciary if the Supreme Court were to reverse itself,” Yusuf said, warning that such a move could damage Nigeria’s international reputation.
He further alleged that there is mounting pressure on the justices to remit the case to the Federal High Court for a fresh hearing — a step he argues would contradict both statutory provisions and prior rulings of the court.
“The law is clear. Internal party disputes remain the exclusive preserve of political parties,” he said.
The ADR also warned that any departure from established precedent could erode public trust in the judiciary, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
The Supreme Court had previously reserved judgment in the dispute involving factions aligned with former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, as well as Nafiu Bala, who is contesting the party’s chairmanship.
A date for the ruling has yet to be announced
