Supreme Court ends ADC leadership crisis hurdles, sends case back to trial
Nigeria's Supreme Court on Thursday nullified a Court of Appeal directive that had ordered the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to maintain the status quo in its leadership dispute. The five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba ruled unanimously that the appellate court acted outside its jurisdiction after dismissing the appeal. However, the judgment did not declare who the legitimate ADC leader is, instead directing all parties to return to the Federal High Court for continuation of the trial.
The ruling has boosted confidence in the ADC's judicial prospects but hasn't resolved the leadership crisis that has divided the party. ADC chieftains expressed mixed reactions - Mansur Umar Kurugu called it a victory for Nigeria's judicial system, while Dumebi Kachikwu noted neither faction can claim victory, suggesting King Solomon-like wisdom in the court's decision.
Adnan Mukhtar remains optimistic about the party's 2027 prospects, describing the judgment as "a wake-up call for the ADC to field qualified candidates" and emphasizing that "the judiciary has proven itself as the last hope of the Nigerian opposition." However, analysts caution that without a final leadership ruling, coalition partners may remain hesitant to fully commit to the ADC as a central opposition platform. The party's legal battle continues at the Federal High Court.