The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja that set aside an earlier ruling recognising the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), describing the development as a dangerous assault on Nigeria’s democratic space ahead of the 2027 general election.
The opposition party warned that the increasing use of legal and administrative processes against opposition parties could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and weaken constitutional democracy.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party alleged that a pattern of political interference and judicial actions was steadily shrinking the democratic space and strengthening the ruling establishment.
According to the ADC, the latest court decision affecting the NDC was not an isolated incident but part of a broader trend that has seen several opposition parties entangled in internal disputes and prolonged legal battles.
“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. This is not how a healthy democracy functions,” the statement said.
The party maintained that the issue transcended the fortunes of any individual political platform and touched the core of constitutional governance, insisting that Nigerians must retain the freedom to choose from credible political alternatives.
ADC further argued that persistent distractions and legal uncertainties imposed on opposition parties ultimately deprive citizens of meaningful democratic choices.
“Democracy is sustained by fair competition, institutional neutrality, and the confidence that every political actor will be treated equally under the law. This has not been the case under the Bola Tinubu administration,” the statement added.
With less than seven months to the general election, the party urged stakeholders to scrutinise any action capable of undermining the integrity and credibility of the electoral process.
The ADC also called on the judiciary to maintain its independence and impartiality, stressing that courts must not be perceived as instruments for achieving partisan political objectives.
“Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done. Nothing is more dangerous to a constitutional democracy than a growing public perception that courts are being deployed to achieve partisan political objectives that cannot be won through the ballot,” it stated.
The party consequently appealed to opposition parties, civil society organisations, the legal community, organised labour, the media and Nigerians at large to unite in defence of democratic institutions and constitutional rights.
“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,” the statement warned.
Reaffirming its commitment to plural democracy, the ADC pledged to continue resisting what it described as attempts to transform Nigeria into a one-party state.
“The Constitution guarantees freedom of association, political participation and the right of citizens to freely choose their leaders. Those rights are constitutional guarantees that must be defended by all,” the party said.
ADC insisted it would remain steadfast in supporting every effort aimed at preserving democratic values and protecting legitimate opposition voices across the country.
