Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has strongly condemned the court judgment that seeks to deregister the ADC and several other opposition political parties. In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku expressed concern that the judgment was delivered despite a subsisting order from the Court of Appeal that had stayed further proceedings in the matter pending an appeal.
A Grave Threat to Democracy
Atiku described the move as a grave threat to constitutional democracy and a calculated attempt to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections. He stressed that the ruling should alarm all Nigerians who believe in democracy, political pluralism, and the rule of law.
“The judgment represents a dangerous escalation of authoritarian tactics and a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy,” the statement read. “What makes the situation even more troubling is that the judgment was reportedly delivered despite a valid and subsisting order of the Court of Appeal. On May 22, 2026, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal granted an application staying further proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025 pending the hearing and determination of the appeal before it.”
Rule of Law Under Threat
Atiku emphasized that a stay of proceedings freezes every further step in the matter, including the delivery of judgment. Any action taken contrary to that order raises serious concerns about respect for the hierarchy of courts and adherence to the rule of law. “This latest development does not merely contradict an appellate court order; it strikes at the heart of legal certainty and constitutional governance. If court orders can be ignored whenever they become inconvenient to those in power, then the rule of law itself is under serious threat,” he added.
Political Persecution Ahead of 2027
The former Vice President alleged that the ruling reflects a growing pattern of political persecution and institutional manipulation aimed at crippling opposition parties before the next election cycle. “It is becoming increasingly evident that the Tinubu administration is focused on eliminating major political opponents ahead of 2027. Instead of confronting the pressing challenges facing the country — insecurity, economic hardship, rising poverty, unemployment and the declining purchasing power of Nigerians — the government appears preoccupied with neutralising every credible opposition platform. This is not governance; it is political suppression through institutional means.”
Call to Defend Democracy
Atiku urged ADC members and supporters of democratic governance not to be discouraged by the ruling. “We wish to assure all members of the ADC, our supporters and Nigerians who believe in democratic competition that we will not be intimidated by these desperate manoeuvres. The battle before us goes beyond political parties. It is a battle for the soul of Nigeria’s democracy — a battle between those who believe in freedom of choice and those seeking to impose political uniformity through intimidation and institutional capture.”
He vowed to pursue every lawful and constitutional means to defend the party, protect democratic freedoms, and preserve the multiparty system. “We call on the judiciary, civil society organisations, the media and all patriotic Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist every attempt to undermine democratic institutions for partisan advantage. Nigeria’s democracy was not won cheaply, and it must not be surrendered cheaply.”
Atiku maintained that no level of political desperation could override the Constitution, silence the opposition, or suppress the democratic aspirations of millions of Nigerians yearning for change.
