The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Federal High Court in Lokoja for overturning its earlier judgment recognising the NDC, describing the decision as a threat to Nigeria’s democratic space ahead of the general election.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC argued that the matter extends beyond the NDC, warning that if one opposition party can be drawn into prolonged legal uncertainty today, any other party seeking to provide Nigerians with an alternative could face the same fate tomorrow.
Abdullahi described the Lokoja court’s ruling as “yet another troubling development” and urged the judiciary to remain independent and impartial, stressing that public confidence in the courts is vital to safeguarding Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
“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,” he said.
He added that the judiciary remains one of the last safeguards of democracy and should never be perceived as a platform for resolving political battles in favour of those in power.
The ADC further claimed that the NDC’s experience reflects a broader pattern in which opposition parties have been entangled in avoidable internal crises through what it described as questionable legal actions and administrative interventions. The party said it had also faced similar challenges.
According to the ADC, such developments weaken opposition parties, reduce political competition and ultimately limit Nigerians’ ability to choose from credible alternatives at the polls.
The party also accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of failing to ensure a level playing field for all political actors, insisting that democracy can only thrive where institutions remain neutral and political competition is fair.
With less than seven months until the general election, the ADC warned that any development capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process should be treated with utmost concern. It argued that growing public perceptions that the courts are being used to achieve political objectives pose a serious threat to constitutional democracy.
The party called on opposition parties, civil society organisations, the legal community, organised labour, the media and Nigerians to unite in defending the country’s democratic institutions and constitutional rights, including freedom of association, political participation and the right to freely choose leaders.
The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to resisting what it described as attempts to turn Nigeria into a de facto one-party state.
