The Supreme Court will on Thursday deliver judgments in a series of appeals that could significantly shape the future of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party and African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In notices issued on Wednesday, the apex court confirmed that it would rule on four separate appeals arising from leadership disputes rocking both parties.
The cases involving the PDP seek legal validation of the party’s national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025, while the ADC appeals question what the party describes as judicial interference in its internal affairs.
A five-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, had reserved judgment on April 22 after lawyers representing all parties adopted their final written arguments.
One of the key appeals, marked SC/CV/164/2026, was filed by the factional PDP national executives led by Tanimu Turaki, SAN. The appellants are asking the Supreme Court to overturn earlier judgments of both the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court in Abuja, which nullified the conduct of the Ibadan convention.
The appellate court had criticised the Turaki-led faction for proceeding with the convention despite an earlier order issued on November 14, 2025, by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court restraining the exercise.
Justice Lifu had barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognising any convention conducted without the participation of former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido as a contestant.
The order followed a suit filed by Lamido, a founding member of the PDP, who alleged that he was unfairly denied the opportunity to contest for the office of National Chairman.
Lamido, who sued both the PDP and INEC, argued that the party denied him a nomination form in violation of its constitution and electoral guidelines.
In his ruling, Justice Lifu held that Lamido was “unjustly denied” access to the nomination process and stressed that the party was obligated to provide equal opportunities for members seeking elective positions.
“As a consequential order,” the court halted the convention to allow Lamido “obtain the form, mobilize supporters, and campaign.”
The Supreme Court’s verdict is expected to determine the legality of the disputed convention and clarify the leadership structures of both opposition parties ahead of preparations for the 2027 elections.
