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  • “Struggle Not Over” — Atiku Reacts to Supreme Court ADC Leadership Ruling

    Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has said the opposition’s fight is far from over despite the Supreme Court ruling affirming the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Atiku warns against complacency

    Reacting in a statement shared on social media, Atiku described the judgment as a major step but cautioned supporters not to see it as final victory.

    “Even as we welcome the Supreme Court’s firm affirmation of David Mark and the leadership of our great party, the African Democratic Congress, let no one be lulled into complacency,” he said.

    Calls for continued political struggle

    The former vice-president stressed that more effort is required in what he described as a broader mission to “rescue” the country.

    “The road ahead remains long in our cause to take back and rescue our country,” he added.

    Dedicates outcome to Nigerians

    Atiku dedicated the outcome of the legal battle to Nigerians, whom he described as resilient in the face of ongoing political and economic challenges.

    “This victory belongs to Nigerians, the courageous millions who refuse to surrender their future,” he said.

    Urges vigilance and unity

    He further called for sustained public engagement, noting that democratic progress must be protected.

    “As we press on, let this truth guide us: eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,” Atiku stated.

    His remarks come amid ongoing political developments following the Supreme Court ruling, which resolved the ADC leadership dispute and restored clarity within the party ahead of future elections.

  • “I Don’t See Them Defeating Tinubu” — Deji Adeyanju Reacts to Supreme Court ADC Ruling

    Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has reacted to the Supreme Court ruling on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership crisis, saying he does not see the opposition defeating President Bola Tinubu.

    Praise for Supreme Court decision

    In a statement shared on social media, Adeyanju commended the judiciary for what he described as a firm stance in protecting Nigeria’s democracy.

    “I commend the Supreme Court and the judiciary for preserving our democracy and preventing anti-democratic elements within and around the Tinubu government from destroying our country,” he said.

    Acknowledges Tinubu’s stance

    Adeyanju also praised President Tinubu, stating that he resisted pressure from political loyalists.

    “President Tinubu must also be commended for resisting the pressure of all the sycophants around him,” he added.

    Doubts over opposition chances

    The activist expressed scepticism about the strength of the opposition, even if united, suggesting it may struggle to unseat the current administration.

    “Even with a united opposition, I don’t see them defeating Tinubu. The shameless anti-democratic acts carried out to embarrass Nigeria was avoidable,” he said.

    Looks back at 2023 elections

    Adeyanju further argued that the opposition missed its best opportunity during the 2023 general elections.

    “The best time they had to defeat Tinubu was in 2023 but they kept fooling around,” he stated.

    His comments come amid ongoing political conversations following the Supreme Court’s ruling, which resolved the ADC leadership dispute and restored clarity within the party.

  • Supreme Court Backs David Mark, Ends ADC Leadership Crisis

    Nigeria’s Supreme Court has settled the prolonged leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ruling in favour of the faction led by former Senate President David Mark.

    Apex court overturns Appeal Court position

    In its judgment delivered on Thursday, the apex court set aside the earlier directive of the Court of Appeal, which had ordered parties to maintain the status quo pending the outcome of the case.

    That order had created uncertainty within the party and prompted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition from all factions.

    With the new ruling, the Supreme Court affirmed the leadership structure backed by Mark, restoring his faction as the recognised authority within the ADC.

    Origin of the leadership dispute

    The crisis began following internal disagreements within the party, which led to rival claims over its leadership.

    A faction led by Nafiu Bala had challenged Mark’s emergence, resulting in conflicting rulings from the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.

    The dispute escalated into a prolonged legal battle that left the party divided.

    Mark’s argument before the court

    Mark’s camp approached the Supreme Court, arguing that leadership issues within political parties are internal matters that should not be subject to judicial interference.

    The appeal sought to overturn earlier decisions that weakened the faction’s control of the party structure.

    Implications ahead of 2027 elections

    Before the ruling, concerns had grown over the ADC’s ability to participate effectively in the 2027 general elections due to the absence of a clear leadership.

    The Supreme Court’s decision now brings clarity, ending months of legal uncertainty and restoring stability within the party.

    The judgment is expected to allow the Mark-led faction to proceed with party activities and preparations ahead of the next election cycle.

  • Supreme Court Fixes April 30 Judgment in ADC Leadership Crisis as Legal Battle Deepens

    The Supreme Court has fixed Thursday, April 30, 2026, for judgment in the long-running leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), bringing a decisive moment to a case that has split the opposition party.

    Court sets final judgment date

    The apex court, in a fresh notice issued on Wednesday, confirmed that judgment in the matter will be delivered at 2pm on Thursday, following the conclusion of final written addresses by all parties involved.

    A five-member panel of justices, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, had earlier reserved judgment after hearing arguments from the factions locked in the leadership tussle.

    Origin of the political dispute

    The case stems from a factional battle within the ADC, with Nafiu Bala Gombe challenging the legitimacy of the leadership led by former Senate President David Mark.

    Mark’s faction is contesting the March 12 ruling of the Court of Appeal, which directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending resolution of the dispute.

    He argues that the matter is strictly an internal party issue and that the appellate court lacked jurisdiction to intervene.

    INEC, Aregbesola and others named in suit

    The respondents in the case include the African Democratic Congress (ADC), its National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and former national chairman Ralph Nwosu.

    Mark is also seeking an order restraining INEC from recognising any leadership other than his faction while the appeal is pending before the Supreme Court.

    However, the respondents have urged the court to dismiss the appeal, insisting that the lower court acted within its jurisdiction.

    Warning over 2027 election implications

    In a letter dated April 28, 2026, the Mark-led faction warned that delay in judgment could jeopardise the party’s participation in the 2027 general elections.

    Signed by counsel Shaibu Enejoh Aruwa, the letter stressed that INEC had already begun implementing its timetable for the 2027 elections, raising urgency around the case.

    The faction argued that failure to resolve the leadership question on time could lead to the ADC being excluded from the polls, potentially affecting millions of supporters nationwide.

    The Supreme Court judgment is now expected to determine not just the party’s leadership structure, but also its immediate political future ahead of the next election cycle, as the matter continues to dominate latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today coverage.

  • Court Bars INEC From ADC Congresses, Nullifies Mark-Led Caretaker Actions

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or participating in any congress organised by committees set up by the Senator David Mark-led caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The ruling also restrains the group from interfering with the functions of elected state executives.

    Justice Joyce Abdulmalik delivered the judgment on Wednesday, settling a dispute over the control of party structures ahead of planned congresses.

    Court Affirms State Executives’ Authority Over Congresses

    The court held that the responsibility for conducting state congresses rests solely with state executive committees, not the national leadership. It ruled that any attempt by the caretaker committee to organise such congresses falls outside its powers.

    Justice Abdulmalik stated that both the 1999 Constitution and the ADC constitution do not empower the caretaker body to appoint congress committees.

    Tenure of State Structures Declared Valid

    In its decision, the court affirmed that the tenure of ADC State Working Committees and State Executive Committees remains valid and subsisting. It said these structures must be allowed to complete their terms pending properly conducted congresses and a national convention.

    The ruling reinforces the position that only duly elected party organs can manage internal electoral processes.

    Suit Filed by Aggrieved Party Members

    The judgment followed a suit filed by several ADC members, including Don Norman Obinna and others, who challenged the legality of the caretaker committee’s actions. The plaintiffs argued that the planned congresses violated the party’s constitution.

    They maintained that only recognised party structures have the authority to organise congresses, urging the court to intervene.

    Court Cites Constitutional Breach, Rejects Jurisdiction Argument

    Justice Abdulmalik agreed with the plaintiffs, noting that the claims raised involved alleged breaches of constitutional and statutory provisions. She dismissed arguments that the court lacked jurisdiction, stressing that such matters warrant judicial review.

    “The law is settled that courts will not interfere. However, where there is an allegation of breach… the court has a duty to intervene,” she ruled.

    Caretaker Committee Actions Nullified

    The court subsequently nullified all processes initiated by the Mark-led caretaker leadership regarding the conduct of state congresses. It emphasised that such actions contravene both constitutional provisions and party guidelines.

    The ruling effectively halts any congress exercise linked to the caretaker committee.

    Ruling Reshapes ADC Internal Power Structure

    The decision is expected to have significant implications for the ADC’s internal leadership dynamics, particularly as political activities begin to intensify. Attention is now on how the party will navigate the ruling and organise its congresses within the framework outlined by the court.

  • PDP, ADC Seal 2027 Alliance Plan, Push for One Presidential Flagbearer

    Leaders of opposition parties have agreed to present a single presidential candidate for the 2027 election, as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) push for a united front against the ruling party.

    One candidate strategy takes shape

    The decision was announced at an opposition summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State, where party leaders resolved to align their efforts ahead of the next general election.

    PDP factional Chairman, Tanimu Turaki SAN, disclosed this while reading the communiqué issued at the end of the meeting.

    According to him, the parties are working towards presenting a consensus candidate that will be jointly supported across opposition platforms.

    Top contenders already in the race

    The development comes as key political figures have already shown interest in the ADC presidential ticket.

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi are among those who have declared their intentions.

    Opposition raises concerns over 2027 polls

    Beyond the candidate plan, the PDP and ADC also demanded the resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan.

    They accused him of bias and alleged partisanship in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Warning over electoral credibility

    Reading the communiqué, Turaki said the opposition would resist any attempt to impose a sole candidate from the ruling party in 2027.

    He added that confidence in the electoral umpire had been eroded, warning that the chairman’s continued stay in office could threaten the credibility of the elections.

    “That we shall work towards fielding one Presidential Candidate for the 2027 elections… to rescue our nation and her long suffering masses,” he stated.

    The parties insisted that only a transparent and credible electoral process would ensure stability and public trust in the outcome of the 2027 polls.

     

  • “Stay There, Fight Them, Scatter ADC” — Gbajabiamila Tells Abejide Amid Party Crisis

    Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has urged ADC lawmaker Leke Abejide to remain in the African Democratic Congress and intensify internal battles within the party amid its ongoing leadership crisis.

    He made the remarks at a birthday event in Abuja, where a video of his comments later surfaced online.

    What happened

    In the viral clip, Gbajabiamila openly encouraged Abejide to stay in the ADC and resist rival factions.

    “I know you to be a committed party man… Stay in that same ADC. Fight them. Scatter them. Hold on to your party,” he said.

    He added that Abejide should ignore opposing voices and continue his political efforts within the party.

    “We like what you are doing. Continue… Nobody can come and take your party away from you,” Gbajabiamila stated.

    ADC crisis deepens

    The ADC has been engulfed in a leadership tussle, with multiple factions battling for control, including a group linked to former Senate President David Mark.

    Abejide is aligned with the Nafiu Bala faction, which is contesting the legitimacy of the rival leadership bloc.

    Abejide’s stance

    The Kogi lawmaker has maintained support for President Tinubu despite remaining in the ADC.

    Speaking on Channels Television, he said his political loyalty cuts across both APC and ADC.

    “My heart is in the APC, and in the ADC… Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and it’s not about party,” he said when asked about his 2027 presidential choice.

    Protest at INEC

    Last week, Abejide and other supporters staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, rejecting the Mark-led faction.

    They accused the group of attempting to hijack the party’s leadership in violation of its constitution.

    “We are here to urge INEC to do the right thing… These people are hijackers,” Abejide said.

    What this means

    The development highlights growing tensions within the ADC as political alignments begin to shift ahead of the 2027 elections.

    The party’s internal crisis is expected to shape its strength as a potential opposition platform.

     

  • ADC Slams Tinubu Over ‘Street Convention’ Remark, Says Nigerians Face Hardship

    The African Democratic Congress has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing him of focusing on political attacks while Nigerians grapple with worsening economic and security challenges.

    In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the President’s recent comments about opposition groups as inappropriate and disconnected from the realities faced by citizens.

    What triggered the reaction

    The ADC’s response followed remarks attributed to Tinubu, where he reportedly dismissed opposition parties and mocked their convention as being held “on the street.”

    The party rejected the claim, insisting its convention was not conducted in such a manner and suggesting the statement may have been based on misinformation.

    Concerns over economy and insecurity

    ADC said the focus should instead be on urgent national issues, including rising cost of living, food inflation, and declining purchasing power.

    It also raised concerns over insecurity across the country, citing ongoing cases of abductions and attacks, while alleging that the government’s response has not been sufficient.

    Allegations of shrinking political space

    The party further claimed that democratic space is narrowing under the current administration, accusing authorities of restricting opposition access to public venues such as Eagle Square.

    According to the statement, such actions could undermine political participation and weaken democratic processes.

    “At a time when families are battling a historic cost-of-living crisis, the President chose to mock the opposition instead of addressing the suffering of Nigerians,” the party said.

    It also criticised what it described as contradictions in governance, arguing that the President cannot simultaneously act as political leader and interpreter of legal matters.

  • Kenneth Okonkwo Warns Obi: Leaving ADC Makes You a “Mobile Squatter”

    Veteran Nollywood actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo has warned that any move by former presidential candidate Peter Obi to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could damage his political credibility amid ongoing opposition coalition talks.

    What he said

    Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Okonkwo reacted to speculation that Obi might exit the ADC if he fails to secure the party’s presidential ticket.

    “If he leaves, will he now be a mobile squadron? Anybody that leaves ADC for another party is a mobile squatter,” he said.

    He stressed that switching parties at this stage of coalition negotiations would raise serious concerns about political consistency.

    Concerns over coalition unity

    Okonkwo argued that any aspirant who exits the coalition platform during internal negotiations would be seen as politically compromised.

    According to him, such a move could weaken opposition unity ahead of future elections.

    “Anybody that goes out of the coalition is compromised and is working for Tinubu, whoever that person is,” he added.

    ADC and opposition talks

    The ADC has been at the centre of ongoing opposition realignment discussions involving key political figures.

    Among those linked to the talks are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Minister Chibuike Amaechi, both reportedly interested in the party’s presidential ticket or broader coalition arrangement.

    What it means

    Okonkwo’s comments highlight growing tensions within opposition circles as parties and aspirants weigh their options ahead of future elections, with unity emerging as a key issue in the unfolding political landscape.

  • ADC Defies INEC, Vows to Hold Congresses as David Mark Demands Chairman’s Sack

    A high-stakes confrontation between Nigeria’s most prominent opposition coalition and the country’s electoral commission intensified on Friday, as the African Democratic Congress declared it would proceed with its planned party congresses and national convention regardless of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s decision to de-recognise its leadership, a move the party described as a politically motivated attack on democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.

    What triggered the crisis

    The crisis reached a boiling point on Wednesday, April 1, when INEC announced it was removing Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as ADC National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively, and would not monitor any congress or convention convened by their faction. INEC cited a Court of Appeal ruling in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, which directed all parties to maintain the “status quo ante bellum”, that is, the state of affairs before hostilities began, pending the resolution of an ongoing leadership dispute before the Federal High Court.

    The dispute involves a former ADC official, Nafiu Bala Gombe, who claims he never resigned as national chairman and that his signature on a resignation letter was forged. INEC said it received legal letters from Nafiu Bala’s lawyers demanding that Mark and Aregbesola be de-recognised, and determined that since Mark’s leadership was uploaded to the INEC portal seven days after the lawsuit was filed, removing the names was consistent with restoring the status quo.

    ADC: “We are proceeding regardless”

    Addressing a press conference at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Thursday, ADC National Chairman David Mark described INEC’s action as a direct attack on democracy and accused the commission of taking sides in an internal party dispute. “The only conclusion Nigerians can draw is that the electoral umpire has taken sides and can no longer be trusted,” he said.

    Mark announced that the ADC would proceed with its congresses beginning April 9 and its national convention on April 14, arguing that the law does not make INEC’s attendance a mandatory requirement for internal party processes. “We have duly served INEC notice, and we will proceed accordingly,” he said.

    He called on the ADC’s allies in the international community to take note of what he described as a convergence of legal pressure and political intent by the ruling party. “If you are convinced you have done well, why are you afraid of credible elections?” he asked, directing the question at President Tinubu.

    David Mark demands INEC chairman’s resignation

    Mark went further, calling for the immediate resignation or removal of INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan and other national commissioners, saying the ADC had lost all confidence in their ability to conduct credible elections. “We are convinced they are incapable of conducting any credible election,” he said. He also warned that INEC’s actions could affect the ADC’s participation in the upcoming Osun and Ekiti governorship elections.

    INEC chairman fires back

    Speaking on Arise Television on Friday, INEC Chairman Amupitan defended the commission’s decision, saying the matter was already before a Federal High Court in Abuja and that INEC could not take any step that would prejudice proceedings still before the court. “We have a record of a letter written by ADC sometime ago informing the commission that Nafiu Bala had resigned. Then Nafiu also wrote and contended before the court that he did not resign, and as a matter of fact, that his signature was forged,” he said.

    Amupitan warned the ADC about the potential consequences of proceeding with unsupervised congresses and conventions, citing the Zamfara State precedent. “If they decide to go ahead, let me tell you what happened in Zamfara. At the end of the day, after you have won, the court will declare the election invalid, and the implication is that the person with the second-highest number of votes will be declared the winner,” he said.

    APC denies involvement

    The ruling APC rejected the ADC’s claim that President Tinubu was behind INEC’s action. APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru said at a separate press conference on Friday that the decision implemented by INEC was a consequence of the dismissal of an appeal filed by Mark’s own faction. “Where does President Bola Tinubu feature in their claims, if not in fallacious and malicious propaganda?” he asked. The APC also described the ADC’s call for Amupitan’s sack as reckless.

    INEC brushes off removal call

    In a statement on Thursday night, INEC also firmly dismissed the calls for its chairman’s removal. The commission said its decision was anchored strictly on compliance with the Court of Appeal order, and not on political considerations. It noted that it had recently registered three new political parties, the Democratic Leadership Alliance, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, and the National Democratic Party, bringing the total number of active parties to 22, which it said was an empirical rebuttal of claims that it supported a one-party agenda.

    What it means for 2027

    The dispute strikes at the heart of Nigeria’s 2027 opposition strategy. The ADC has spent the past three months assembling the most formidable opposition coalition in recent Nigerian history, with Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Kwankwaso, El-Rufai, Amaechi, Tambuwal, and Mark himself all under the same roof. An INEC-enforced leadership freeze — or a court ruling that invalidates the Mark-Aregbesola leadership, could significantly disrupt those plans.

    The Federal High Court is yet to set a hearing date for the substantive case. The Court of Appeal has separately ordered that the matter be granted an accelerated hearing. RNN.NG will continue to follow all developments in this critical dispute.