The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the decision of the Federal High Court in Lokoja to set aside its earlier judgment recognising the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), describing the ruling as a growing assault on Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party expressed concern over what it described as a pattern of legal and administrative actions aimed at weakening opposition parties and shrinking the nation’s democratic space.
The ADC argued that recent developments involving opposition parties had created avoidable internal crises through what it termed “curious legal battles and administrative interventions,” adding that the ADC itself had also faced similar challenges.
According to the party, the cumulative effect of such actions is the weakening of the opposition and the consolidation of power by the ruling party, warning that such a trend is inimical to a healthy democracy.
It maintained that the issue extended beyond the fortunes of any individual political party, insisting that persistent legal disputes and uncertainty surrounding opposition parties ultimately undermine Nigerians’ constitutional right to choose from credible political alternatives.
With about seven months to the general election, the ADC urged heightened scrutiny of any action capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
The party also called on the judiciary to uphold its independence and impartiality, stressing that courts must not be perceived as instruments for resolving political contests in favour of those in power.
“The judiciary remains one of the last lines of defence for our democracy and must never be perceived as an arena where political battles are settled on behalf of those who wield executive power. Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done,” the statement said.
The ADC further appealed to opposition parties, civil society organisations, the legal community, organised labour, the media and other stakeholders to unite in defence of constitutional democracy.
It warned that if alleged attempts to intimidate or weaken opposition voices were left unchecked, Nigeria risked sliding into a one-party state.
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles, the party said it would continue to stand with Nigerians in defending constitutional rights, including freedom of association, political participation and the right of citizens to freely choose their leaders.
(The Whistler)
