Social commentator Isaac Fayose has expressed concern over the delay by the Supreme Court of Nigeria in delivering judgment on the leadership crises affecting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
It will be recalled that on 22 April, the apex court concluded hearings on the disputes and subsequently reserved judgment after listening to arguments in separate appeals challenging earlier decisions of lower courts.
The five-member panel, led by Mohammed Garba, did not specify a date for the ruling, a development that has since generated uncertainty among party stakeholders and political observers.
Six days after the hearing, anxiety continues to mount, particularly among aspirants preparing for the 2027 general elections, as the court has yet to indicate when its judgment will be delivered.
The delay comes amid the approaching deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the submission of party membership registers, a timeline that could significantly affect the preparedness of opposition parties.
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Reacting in a video shared on his Facebook page on Wednesday, Fayose questioned the motive behind the delay, suggesting that it could have broader implications for Nigeria’s democratic process.
“If the judiciary is actually the last hope of the common man, the ADC and PDP judgment would have been delivered,” he said.
He further alleged that the delay risks undermining public confidence in the neutrality of the judiciary, especially at a time when political activities are intensifying ahead of the next election cycle.
Fayose also raised concerns that the situation could disadvantage opposition parties, noting that key figures within the ruling party have already begun preparations, including the purchase of nomination forms.
“You know that INEC deadline expires any moment from now, why hanging the two major opposition parties?” he asked.
The commentator warned that prolonged uncertainty could weaken the ability of opposition parties to effectively participate in the electoral process, stressing the importance of credible alternatives in a democratic system.
“Nigerians deserve alternatives to the ruling party. We cannot go into an election with a one-man show,” he added.
The leadership crises within the ADC and PDP have been the subject of multiple legal battles, with conflicting rulings from lower courts prompting appeals to the Supreme Court for final determination.
As the wait for the apex court’s decision continues, political stakeholders are closely monitoring developments, given the potential impact of the ruling on party structures and the broader 2027 electoral landscape.
