Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has strongly criticised the Federal High Court ruling ordering the deregistration of the ADC and four other political parties, alleging that the decision forms part of a broader strategy to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reacting through a statement issued on Monday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the judgment as a serious threat to democratic governance and warned that it could undermine constitutional protections for political participation and pluralism.
The former vice president argued that the ruling should concern all Nigerians committed to democracy, stressing that the matter was particularly troubling because an appeal was already pending before the Court of Appeal.
According to him, the lower court proceeded despite a subsisting appellate order that had halted further proceedings in the case.
“The judgment represents a dangerous escalation of authoritarian tactics and a blatant assault on Nigeria’s democracy.
“What makes the situation even more disturbing is that this judgment was purportedly delivered despite a clear and subsisting order of the Court of Appeal. On May 22, 2026, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, granted an application staying further proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025 pending the hearing and determination of the appeal before it.
“The implication of that order is not ambiguous. A stay of proceedings means precisely what it says. It freezes every further step in the matter, including the delivery of judgment. Any action taken contrary to that order raises serious questions about respect for the hierarchy of courts and fidelity to the rule of law.
“This latest judgment therefore does not merely contradict a subsisting appellate order; it strikes at the very foundation of legal certainty and constitutional governance. If court orders can be treated as optional whenever they become inconvenient to those in power, then the rule of law itself is in grave danger.”
Atiku further contended that the judgment reflects what he described as an emerging pattern of political intimidation aimed at reducing the influence of opposition parties before the next electoral cycle.
He accused the administration of prioritising political calculations over pressing national concerns, including insecurity and economic hardship.
“It is becoming increasingly clear that the Tinubu administration is singularly focused on eliminating major political opponents ahead of 2027.
“Rather than confronting the mounting crises facing the nation—rampant insecurity, economic hardship, rising poverty, unemployment, and the declining purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians—the government appears consumed by a desperate quest to neutralise every viable opposition platform.
“This is not governance. It is political elimination by other means.
“The Nigerian people can see what is happening. Opposition parties are being targeted. Democratic institutions are being pressured. State power is increasingly being deployed not for national development but for political survival.”
Despite the court ruling, the ADC presidential candidate urged party members and supporters not to lose faith in the democratic process, insisting that the struggle extends beyond the interests of any single political organisation.
According to him, the issue at stake is the preservation of democratic freedoms and the survival of Nigeria’s multiparty political system.
“The battle before us transcends political parties. It is a battle for the soul of Nigerian democracy. It is a battle between those who believe in freedom of choice and those who seek to impose political uniformity through intimidation and institutional capture.
“We shall continue to pursue all lawful and constitutional avenues to defend our party, protect democratic freedoms, and preserve the multiparty system which remains the cornerstone of our constitutional order.
“We call on the judiciary, civil society organisations, the media, and all patriotic Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist every attempt to subvert democratic institutions for partisan advantage.
“Nigeria’s democracy was not won cheaply. It must not be surrendered cheaply”, he stated.
The Federal High Court judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, directed the deregistration of the ADC and four other political parties over alleged failure to satisfy constitutional and electoral performance requirements. The decision has sparked reactions from opposition groups, many of whom have vowed to challenge the ruling through the appellate courts.
(Ripples)
