By Emmanuel Thomas l Tuesday, April 28.26
ABUJA – The leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sounded the alarm over a potential “electoral blackout,” warning that the party could be barred from the 2027 general elections unless the Supreme Court delivers an immediate judgment on its ongoing leadership tussle.
In an urgent letter dated April 28, 2026, the party’s legal team, led by Shaibu Enejoh Aruwa, SAN, pressed the apex court to break its silence on appeal SC/CV/180/2026. The case—pitting David Mark against Nafiu Bala Gombe and others—has left the party’s administrative future hanging in the balance.
While the Supreme Court heard the matter on April 22 and subsequently reserved its judgment, the ADC’s legal counsel argues that time is a luxury the party simply does not have. The core of the anxiety lies with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Lawyers warned that in the absence of a definitive Supreme Court ruling, INEC may be compelled to act on a prior lower court decision. Such a move could lead to:
De-recognition of the current party leadership.
The nullification of internal administrative processes.
An inability to meet statutory legal requirements for fielding candidates in the 2027 cycle.
”Immediate Judgment” Required
The letter from the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) was blunt: further delay isn’t just a legal inconvenience—it is a threat to the party’s democratic existence.
”Further delay could jeopardize the party’s participation in the 2027 general elections… leaving the ADC unable to meet legal requirements to field candidates.”
Despite the urgency of the appeal, the Supreme Court has yet to fix a formal date for the delivery of the judgment.
As the clock ticks toward the next election cycle, the ADC remains in a state of high-stakes suspense, waiting to see if the gavel will fall in time to save their 2027 ambitions.