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Alleges opposition parties are being targeted ahead of 2027 elections
ABUJA — Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of the ADC and four other political parties, describing it as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and multiparty system.
Atiku’s reaction followed Monday’s judgment by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC, Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr Phrank Shaibu, the former Vice President said the judgment should concern all Nigerians who believe in democracy, political pluralism and the rule of law.
He argued that the ruling was particularly troubling because it was delivered despite a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal, which had stayed further proceedings in the matter pending the determination of an appeal.
According to Atiku, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, had on May 22, 2026, granted an application staying proceedings in the case pending the hearing and determination of an appeal before it.
He maintained that a stay of proceedings prevents any further action in a matter, including the delivery of judgment, and said any step taken contrary to such an order raises questions about respect for the judicial hierarchy and the rule of law.
“The judgment represents a dangerous escalation of authoritarian tactics and a blatant assault on Nigeria’s democracy,” he said.
Atiku further alleged that the ruling was part of a broader effort to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of focusing on political opponents instead of addressing challenges such as insecurity, economic hardship, poverty and unemployment.
“It is becoming increasingly clear that the Tinubu administration is singularly focused on eliminating major political opponents ahead of 2027,” he said.
The former Vice President, however, urged members of the ADC and supporters of democratic governance not to be discouraged by the judgment.
He assured party members that all lawful and constitutional avenues would be explored to challenge the ruling and defend the country’s multiparty democratic system.
Atiku also called on the judiciary, civil society organisations, the media and Nigerians to remain vigilant against any actions capable of undermining democratic institutions.
He insisted that no political action could override the Constitution, extinguish opposition voices or suppress the democratic aspirations of Nigerians seeking change.
