The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using the judiciary to weaken opposition parties and undermine democratic competition ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party warned the APC against actions capable of threatening Nigeria’s peace and stability in its bid to retain power.
The National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, made the allegation in a statement following a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja which the party said threatened its leadership structure and the political ambitions of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He alleged that the timing of the judgment, coming barely 24 hours after the party’s presidential campaign rally in Sokoto, raised concerns about political interference.
The party argued that the judgment could affect not only its leadership but also the rights of thousands of candidates seeking elective positions in 2027. It cited an earlier ruling delivered on July 2, 2026, by Justice Musa Liman, which it said affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee and directed INEC to recognise the leadership. The ADC maintained that a court of equal jurisdiction could not overturn or vary an existing judgment of another court.
The party called on the judiciary to uphold democratic principles and urged President Bola Tinubu and the APC to allow Nigerians to decide their leaders through free and fair elections. It also appealed to its members nationwide to remain calm and law-abiding while it pursues available legal options, pending the release of the Certified True Copy of the latest judgment.
