The ADC leadership crisis and unresolved court disputes involving several opposition parties are creating uncertainty ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with questions emerging over presidential tickets, party executives and the validity of candidate nominations. The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party and Accord Party are among the political platforms facing legal challenges that could affect their preparations for the presidential election.
An investigation published by The Guardian on Thursday, November 12, reported that nearly half of the 19 political parties with presidential candidates were involved in different court disputes. The cases concern disagreements over party leadership, nomination procedures and the authority of individuals who submitted candidates’ names to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The developments have increased pressure on the affected parties to resolve their internal disagreements before electoral deadlines become more difficult to meet. They have also raised questions about how quickly the courts can determine disputes that could influence participation in the January 2027 presidential election.
ADC Leadership Crisis Puts Atiku Abubakar’s Presidential Ticket at Risk
The ADC leadership crisis has attracted particular attention following a Federal High Court judgment delivered in Abuja on November 5, 2026, by Justice Peter Lifu. The court nullified the leadership of the party under former Senate President David Mark and invalidated decisions taken by the leadership, including the process that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate.
The judgment followed a legal challenge instituted by Nafiu-Bala Gombe, who questioned the legitimacy of the Mark-led leadership and argued that it did not emerge through the party’s required procedures.
The ruling has created uncertainty over the authority of the affected party executives and the status of decisions taken under their leadership. However, the ADC has rejected the judgment and indicated its intention to challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.
The controversy became more pronounced on November 11 when supporters of Atiku, operating under the group United Friends from Atiku, staged protests over the alleged delay in releasing the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment. The protesters visited the Federal High Court and the United Nations office, calling for the immediate release of the document so the party could pursue its appeal.
The group also petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the National Judicial Council, ECOWAS, the United Nations and the European Union, arguing that the delay could interfere with the party’s ability to exercise its legal right to challenge the ruling.
The ADC’s difficulties are not limited to the November 5 judgment, as disagreements over its leadership arrangements and state structures have continued to generate fresh tensions within the party. These developments have complicated its efforts to establish a settled political structure ahead of the elections.
Labour Party, Accord and Other Opposition Parties Face Legal Challenges
The Labour Party has also experienced prolonged disagreements over its leadership, particularly the dispute involving Julius Abure and the Nenadi Usman-led caretaker leadership. A Federal High Court judgment delivered in January recognised the Usman-led caretaker committee and directed INEC to recognise it as the party’s legitimate authority pending a national convention.
Although the ruling provided some clarity over the party’s leadership, internal disagreements have continued to form part of the challenges facing its political organisation.
Accord Party is dealing with separate disputes involving its presidential nomination and the submission of candidates’ names to INEC. On October 5, a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the party to recognise Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as its presidential candidate and submit his name to the electoral commission after a dispute over the party’s May 30 primary.
Another legal action filed by the party’s National Secretary, Adebukola Ajaja, seeks to challenge the nomination of candidates submitted to INEC. Ajaja alleged that the party chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, and its National Organising Secretary, Ibe Kenechukwu ThankGod, submitted the candidates’ list without involving her in the process.
The party has challenged the suit, arguing that it was filed outside the statutory 14-day period for pre-election cases and questioning the court’s jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court has scheduled its Christmas vacation from December 21, 2026, to January 5, 2027, with regular sittings expected to resume on January 6. However, the court has designated vacation judges to handle urgent matters, including pre-election disputes and cases involving fundamental rights.
With the presidential election approaching, the unresolved cases place additional pressure on opposition parties to clarify their leadership structures, settle nomination disagreements and comply with electoral requirements. The outcome of the proceedings could determine the status of several candidates and shape how the affected parties participate in the 2027 elections.