TDThe African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a sharp rebuke against the Lokoja Federal High Court’s decision to overturn its earlier judgment recognising the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The party described the ruling as part of a “disturbing pattern” of judicial and administrative actions.
In its view, the actions are steadily eroding Nigeria’s democratic foundations in the run-up to the general election.
The statement was signed by ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.
It warned that the judiciary must remain a neutral arbiter and not be perceived as an extension of executive power.
Abdullahi stressed that democracy cannot survive when opposition parties are weakened through what he termed “manufactured controversies and prolonged legal uncertainty.”
“This issue goes far beyond the fortunes of any single political party. It goes to the very heart of our constitutional democracy.
“When opposition parties are persistently distracted by manufactured controversies, the real casualty is the Nigerian people’s right to freely choose among credible political alternatives,” the statement declared.
A Pattern of Democratic Erosion
The ADC pointed to what it sees as a broader trend under the Bola Tinubu administration.
It lamented that opposition parties being dragged into crises through questionable legal battles and administrative interventions.
According to the party, these tactics have the cumulative effect of narrowing the democratic space and consolidating power in the hands of the ruling elite.
Observers note that this latest development comes at a critical time, with just seven months to the general election.
The ADC argued that every action capable of undermining electoral credibility must be scrutinised, warning that public confidence in the judiciary is at stake.
Call for Collective Resistance
The party urged opposition groups, civil society organisations, organised labour, the media, and all Nigerians committed to democracy to unite in peaceful resistance.
It cautioned that the de-registration of the NDC should serve as a wake-up call, as similar actions could be directed against any party offering Nigerians an alternative political vision.
“Yesterday’s target was the NDC.
“Tomorrow, it could be anyone who dares to offer Nigerians an alternative.
“We must not wait until the democratic space has been completely suffocated before we act,” Abdullahi warned.
Defending Constitutional Guarantees
The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s constitutional order.
It stressed that freedoms of association, political participation, and the right of citizens to choose their leaders are not privileges granted by government, but fundamental guarantees enshrined in the Constitution.
The party vowed to continue resisting what it described as attempts to reduce Nigeria to a one-party state.
It insisted that democracy must be defended through vigilance, solidarity, and peaceful action.
This statement underscores the ADC’s positioning as a defender of pluralism and constitutional democracy.
Meanwhile, it raised alarm about the perceived weaponisation of the judiciary in Nigeria’s political landscape.
