Amanze Chinonye
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged the Supreme Court of Nigeria to expedite judgment in a pending appeal, warning that further delay could jeopardise its participation in the 2027 general elections.
In a letter dated April 28, 2026, the party’s legal team, led by Shaibu Enejoh Aruwa (SAN), appealed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria to ensure the timely delivery of judgment in suit number SC/CV/180/2026.
The case involves David Mark versus Nafiu Bala Gombe and four others, with the ADC listed as a respondent.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to the lawyers, the Supreme Court had heard the appeal on April 22 and reserved judgment for a later date yet to be communicated. However, they expressed concern that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a respondent in the matter, may act on an earlier ruling of the Court of Appeal, which allegedly led to the de-recognition of the party’s leadership.
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The legal team warned that the development has effectively left the ADC without a recognised leadership structure, despite its continued status as a registered political party.
They argued that the situation poses a serious threat to the party’s ability to meet statutory requirements outlined in INEC’s timetable for the 2027 elections, including candidate nomination and other preparatory processes.
“Without the delivery of judgment within the next three days… the ADC stands the grave and irreversible risk of being excluded from participating in the 2027 General Elections,” the letter stated.
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The lawyers further cautioned that such an outcome would disenfranchise millions of Nigerians aligned with the party and undermine their constitutional right to political participation.
While acknowledging the workload of the apex court, the counsel stressed that the urgency of the matter requires swift judicial intervention, noting that “justice delayed, in this peculiar circumstance, would amount to justice denied.”
As of the time of filing this report, the Supreme Court has not fixed a date for the delivery of judgment.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
