The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has warned that the failure of the Supreme Court to deliver timely judgments on the protracted leadership crises within both the Peoples Democratic Party and the African Democratic Congress represented a dangerous threat to Nigeria’s multiparty democratic architecture ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the delay creating operational paralysis within two of the country’s major opposition platforms at a moment when clarity of party leadership was constitutionally urgent.
In a statement by its national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the association noted that while the apex court had concluded hearings on multiple appeals arising from both disputes, it had yet to fix judgment dates, a situation HURIWA described as deeply troubling given the tight electoral calendar imposed by INEC regulations.
The commission had set a deadline of May 10, 2026 for political parties to submit membership registers, with party primaries scheduled between April 23 and May 30, 2026. Campaign activities were also expected to commence later in the year, making clear and legally recognised party leadership structures an operational necessity with immediate practical consequences rather than a procedural formality that could await judicial convenience.
HURIWA warned that the absence of resolved leadership within both parties had already triggered internal confusion, paralysed decision-making processes, and placed aspirants in a state of profound uncertainty about their political futures and the viability of the platforms on which they had invested significant resources and political capital.
The association raised particular alarm over reports that factions within the PDP allegedly aligned with influential figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress and the administration of President Tinubu had proceeded with selling nomination forms despite the pendency of the case before the apex court.
“This situation raises fundamental questions about the integrity of the judicial process and whether certain actors may be acting on presumed outcomes. If left unchecked, such perceptions could severely damage public trust in the neutrality and independence of the judiciary,” HURIWA stated.
The group also expressed concern over the continuing political activities of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike within the PDP dispute, arguing that his alignment with one faction had complicated the party’s internal cohesion and external credibility as a genuine opposition force ahead of a consequential electoral cycle.
