The African Democratic Congress (ADC)—led by former Senate President David Mark—in a pointed letter to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has demanded swift judgment from the Supreme Court in a leadership dispute, warning that delays could bar the party from the 2027 general elections.
The April 28 missive, penned by counsel Shuaibu Aruwa (SAN) on behalf of the Mark faction in Suit No. SC/CV/180/2026, cautioned that further procrastination equates to “justice denied,” especially with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable ticking.
The Supreme Court on April 22 wrapped up hearings before a five-justice panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba, reserving judgment without a date.
The appeals challenge lower-Court rulings in the party’s internal rift, which INEC cited to derecognize the Mark-led leadership, leaving ADC temporarily rudderless despite its registered status.
The electoral body set May 10 as the deadline for parties to submit membership registers.
Presidential and National Assembly elections are slated for Jan. 16, 2027, with governorship and state assembly polls to follow on Feb. 6. Party primaries and dispute resolutions must wrap by May 30, campaigns kick off in August and September.
“We are most respectfully constrained to request…kind intervention and directive in ensuring that the judgment is rendered timeously,” the letter states, noting INEC’s reliance on a lower-court ruling (Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026) to strip the Mark faction’s recognition.
Attachments in the letter included INEC’s derecognition notice and the 2027 timetable.
