Fresh controversy has emerged over the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Working Committee led by former Senate President David Mark following its request to the Supreme Court for an accelerated judgment in the party’s leadership dispute.

The ADC had written to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, urging the apex court to deliver judgment within three days, warning that any further delay could jeopardise the party’s participation in the 2027 general elections.

The request has sparked mixed reactions among senior lawyers and legal experts across the country.

While some legal practitioners defended the move as a legitimate appeal based on the urgency of the matter, others described it as improper and capable of undermining judicial independence.

Professor Itse Sagay (SAN) and Tochukwu Onyiuke (SAN) argued that the letter was merely a request aimed at protecting the party’s electoral interests, especially in view of the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

However, Dr Wahab Shittu (SAN) and George Oguntade (SAN) faulted the action, insisting that the Constitution already provides timelines for the delivery of judgments and that no party should appear to pressure the court.

The controversy is linked to the ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC, which intensified after INEC reportedly withdrew recognition of the party’s leadership pending the outcome of court proceedings.

In the letter signed by the party’s counsel, Shuaibu E. Aruwa (SAN), the ADC warned that failure to obtain a timely judgment could lead to “grave and irreversible” consequences, including exclusion from the 2027 elections.

The Supreme Court had reserved judgment after hearing the matter on April 22, 2026, with a date yet to be announced.