Opposition Express Concerns Over Delayed Court Judgement, as INEC deadline for submission of party membership draws closer ahead of the 2027 general elections
KANo—
Oppositions express concerns over delayed Supreme Court judgement
The African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party have expressed concerns over the delay in the Supreme Court’s judgment as the Independent National Electoral Commission’s deadline for submission of party membership registers approaches.
The development has further raised anxiety about the possible exclusion of the opposition parties from the 2027 elections.
To address the issue,ADC, had written a letter dated 28 April 2026, to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
The letter written by the factional National Chairman Senator David Mark,legal team,on Suit No SC/CV/180/2026 urged the Supreme Court to swiftly deliver judgment in a pending appeal involving the party’s leadership crisis.
Opposition Express Concerns Over Delayed Court Judgement
“We are counsel to the African Democratic Congress, the 2nd respondent in the above-mentioned appeal” the letter read in part
“My Lord, this appeal was graciously heard expeditiously on the 22nd April, 2026, and judgment was thereafter reserved to a date to be communicated by the court” the letter added
The letter signed by the party’s legal counsel, Shuaibu E. Aruwa (SAN), cautioned that the delay could have severe consequences for ADC’s participation in the electoral process. The letter stressed the urgency of judicial intervention to avoid disenfranchisement.
“My Lord, we also respectfully draw Your Lordship’s attention to the INEC timetable for the 2027 general elections and the activities in readiness which have already commenced”
Opposition Express Concerns Over Delayed Court Judgement
“Your Lordship would find attached copies of the INEC press release de-recognising the leadership of ADC and the revised INEC timetable for the 2027 General Elections.” the letter stated
The legal team stated that ADC’s ability to meet the statutory conditions for participation in the 2027 general elections depends entirely on the prompt delivery of judgment in the appeal.
“However, My Lord, we are most respectfully constrained to request for my Lord’s kind intervention and directive in ensuring that the judgment is rendered timeously having regard that INEC the 4th Respondent in the said Appeal purportedly, acting pursuant to the judgment of the lower court in Appeal No: CA/ABJ/145/2026 acted to remove or de-recognise the leadership of the African Democratic Congress, leaving the ADC without leadership at the moment even though the ADC remains a recognised registered political party in Nigeria” it continued
“Without the delivery of judgment within the next three days from the date of this letter, the ADC stands the grave and irreversible risk of being excluded from participating in the 2027 general elections” it stated
Opposition Express Concerns Over Delayed Court Judgement
PDP Express Concern.
A faction of the PDP backed by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has expressed concern over the delay.
Speaking during an interview,The National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong,has expressed concern over the situation but maintained optimism, adding that while the delay is worrying, they remain hopeful that the courts will ultimately dispense justice fairly and in good time.
“As an affected party, we are equally concerned, but we also respect and have confidence in the judiciary. The court has already demonstrated good faith by abridging time, departing from its usual rules, and granting an accelerated hearing. Ultimately, the final decision rests with the judgment of the court” Ememobong stated
As a lawyer, I understand that the records of appeal are extensive, running into thousands of pages, especially as we are seeking the nullification of the judgments of two lower courts. The court is therefore fully aware of the time constraints, as reflected in its decision to grant an accelerated hearing” he said
Opposition Express Concerns Over Delayed Supreme Court Judgement
“Our only appeal is that, despite any inconvenience or pressure, the court should deliver its judgment within a reasonable time, in line with the legal principle that justice is delayed is justice denied” he added
” We remain hopeful, but it is not the role of any party to pre-empt or second-guess the court. We have presented our case based on established legal principles relating to the internal affairs of political parties” he concluded
The PDP faction led by the Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,Nyesom Wike,has dismissed concerns over delay in the judgement.
Reacting to the matter,The National Publicity Secretary Jungudo Mohammed said the delay is not affecting its activities, insisting that it remains the legally recognised leadership of the party and it is carrying on with its activities while awaiting the Supremacy Court judgement.
Opposition Express Concerns Over Delayed Court Judgement
” We are confident that the court intends to deliver substantial justice. The grant of an accelerated hearing further reinforces our belief that due process is being carefully followed. For us, it is not about how quickly judgment is delivered, but how well justice is served”he said
“We are fully prepared to accept whatever outcome the court arrives at, although we remain optimistic about the eventual judgment of the Supreme Court”he added
“Our optimism is rooted in the fact that the Supreme Court is not a forum for introducing fresh evidence or new issues. The matter has already been considered at the Federal High Court, whose decision was affirmed by the Court of Appeal” he stated
“Based on the records and legal principles involved, we believe that justice has been properly dispensed and that the Supreme Court is unlikely to depart from those facts and findings.” he said
Opposition Express Concerns Over Delayed Court Judgement
The Supreme Court had on 22 April concluded the hearing on the leadership dispute affecting the ADC and PDP and subsequently reserved judgment.
The Supreme Court through a five-member panel, led by Justice Mohammed Garba,after listening to arguments in separate appeals challenging earlier decisions taken by the lower court did not fix or announce a date for the ruling.
There is a growing concern among aspirants of the two opposition parties ADC and PDP over the silence and delay of the apex court in delivering the judgement,six days after the conclusion of the hearing.
However,the ruling All Progressives Congress is currently conducting internal preparations including the commencement of the sale of nomination forms to aspirants,while the PDP and ADC have yet to fully begin key activities, even as the INEC deadline for submission of party membership registers draws closer.
INEC had earlier fixed May 10 as the deadline for political parties to submit their membership registers. It also scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly elections for Saturday, January 16, 2027, while governorship and state House of Assembly elections will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
Opposition Express Concerns Over Delayed Court Judgement
According to INEC’s guidelines, party primaries and the resolution of related disputes will take place between April 23, 2026, and May 30, 2026.
Campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections are expected to begin on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for governorship and state assembly elections will commence on September 9, 2026
