ADC leadership crisis: Group urges Supreme Court to uphold democracy

A civil society organisation, the Alliance for Democratic Rights (ADR), has urged the Supreme Court to uphold democratic principles in its forthcoming judgment on the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

The group’s leader, Chief Olayinka Yusuf, made the remarks on Monday in Abuja.

According to Mr Yusuf, the apex court faces a defining moment, urging the justices to uphold constitutional provisions and established legal precedents.

“The justices must choose between upholding the Constitution and the Electoral Act or reversing settled legal principles in a way that could support anti-democratic elements,” he said.

He cited Section 83 of the Electoral Act, which limits judicial interference in the internal affairs of political parties. Yusuf noted that the Supreme Court has consistently held that internal party leadership disputes are non-justiciable and should be resolved within party structures.

Mr Yusuf also referred to allegations circulating in political circles that the Presidency may be linked to the ADC crisis. He cited reports claiming that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, had allegedly directed Rep. Leke Abejide to destabilise the party and pledged support for Nafiu Bala Gombe, a claimant in the leadership tussle.

“It would undermine public confidence in the judiciary if the Supreme Court departs from its established position and makes Nigeria a subject of ridicule,” Mr Yusuf said.

He added that the case has attracted international attention due to concerns about alleged pressure on the judiciary.

Mr Yusuf further alleged that there were attempts to influence the court to remit the case to the Federal High Court for fresh hearing—an action he argued would contradict both Section 83 of the Electoral Act and prior rulings of the apex court.

“The law is clear. Internal crises within political parties remain their exclusive domain,” he said.

He warned that any deviation from established precedents could erode public trust in the judiciary, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Supreme Court had earlier reserved judgment in the ADC leadership dispute involving factions led by former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, as well as Nafiu Bala, who is also laying claim to the party’s chairmanship.

A date for the judgment has yet to be announced.