Party says judiciary must resist being used as ‘political battleground’ ahead of 2026 elections
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned that the Federal High Court in Lokoja’s decision to overturn its judgment recognizing the NDC sets a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy, just months before the general election.
“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.”
National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi stated that the case is no longer about one party, arguing that if one opposition party can be trapped in prolonged legal uncertainty, any party offering Nigerians a choice could face the same fate.
The ADC urged the judiciary to remain independent, saying: “Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done.”
The party accused the Tinubu administration of failing to provide a level playing field, adding that several opposition parties have recently been pulled into “manufactured controversies” through curious legal battles with the ADC itself not spared.
“The cumulative effect of these attacks is unmistakable: they weaken the opposition, narrow the democratic space, and strengthen the hands of those already in power.”
With seven months until the election, the ADC called on opposition parties, civil society, the legal community, labour, media, and all Nigerians to defend the country’s constitutional order against attempts to silence legitimate opposition voices.
“The African Democratic Congress will continue to resist every attempt to reduce Nigeria to a one-party state in all but name.”
