On Thursday, Nigeria’s Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment in the leadership crisis rocking the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a unanimous decision delivered by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, the Supreme Court of Nigeria nullified an earlier directive of the Court of Appeal that had ordered parties to maintain the status quo.
The court held that the appellate court acted outside its jurisdiction after dismissing the appeal before it.
However, it did not explicitly state who the legitimate leader of the ADC is, instead directing all parties to return to the trial court for continuation of the case.
“It’s victory for Nigeria” — ADC chieftains
Reactions from political stakeholders suggest the judgment has boosted confidence in the ADC, but it has not conclusively positioned it as Nigeria’s leading opposition platform.
Speaking exclusively with DAILY POST after the ruling, Mansur Umar Kurugu, spokesperson II for the Kwankwasiyya Movement, described the ruling as a sign that justice still works.
“This gives us more confidence in our judicial system,” he said.
“It simply signals that no matter what, there are still institutions within this country which do not mortgage their integrity and their values,” he added.
Kurugu also criticised the electoral body, alleging bias.
“We have seen what INEC has been doing, with their chairman, who is perceived to be an APC member, trying to deny the opposition a chance to contest.”
He added that the judgment has renewed hope among citizens who rely on the courts.
However, another voice within the party disagreed with the idea that the ruling strengthens any faction.
According to Dumebi Kachikwu, neither side can claim victory.
“Today, the Supreme Court of Nigeria displayed King Solomon’s wisdom in refusing to be used as a tool of destabilisation by the David Mark-led group when it directed both factions to return to the trial court for continuation of the trial.”
His position suggests that the ADC remains divided, limiting its ability to immediately emerge as a unified opposition force.
Impact on coalition talks and 2027 preparations
Adnan Mukhtar, a former Kano State House of Assembly aspirant and ADC member, in an exclusive chat with DAILY POST, said he is optimistic about the party’s prospects despite the uncertainty.
“It is a very good development for the country. As you know, the ADC is the only opposition political party that is serious about challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Nigerians all over the country are jubilating.
“People are happy. It is a wake-up call to the ADC to do the needful by fielding qualified, competent candidates in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
“As you know, the judiciary is the last hope of the common man, and Today it has proven that it is indeed the last hope of the Nigerian opposition.”
Mukhtar added that the judgment opens the door for party activities.
The decision effectively allows the ADC to proceed with preparations such as primaries and the sale of nomination forms.
However, analysts have argued that without a final ruling on its leadership, coalition partners may remain cautious about fully committing to the party as a central opposition platform.
While the Supreme Court ruling has revived momentum within the ADC and reassured some opposition figures, the party will still continue its trial at the Federal High Court.
Nafi’u Bala makes claims
Reacting to the ruling in a chat with DCL Hausa, Nafi’u Bala, the man “holding the ADC on its toes,” said the David Mark faction is spreading propaganda to suit its desperation.
He said, “How does dismissing a case mean victory? I am the authentic ADC leader in Nigeria.
“I will fight this until we get our party back from people who ruined theirs.
“They are not ADC members; they are coalition members, that’s what we call them.”
Several ADC leaders, including Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Atiku Abubakar, have reacted to the ruling with cautious jubilation, reminding members that while it is a positive development, the legal battle is not yet over.