By John Dike Osogbo
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of allegedly using judicial processes to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that attempts to undermine political competition could threaten Nigeria’s peace and democratic stability.
The opposition party also cautioned the APC against what it described as a dangerous attempt to eliminate political rivals through court judgments, declaring that the country’s stability should not be sacrificed for the ambition of any political party or individual.
The ADC’s reaction followed Thursday’s judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, which nullified the emergence of former Senate President David Mark as the party’s National Chairman, alongside other national officers, including Rauf Aregbesola.
The court also invalidated the processes that produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections and cancelled nominations of candidates who emerged under the disputed leadership.
Reacting in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the judgment as an attempt to cripple the opposition and deny Nigerians the opportunity to freely choose their leaders.
The party expressed concern over the timing of the ruling, which came barely 24 hours after what it described as a massive turnout at its presidential campaign rally in Sokoto.
According to the ADC, the development suggested that the ruling party was unsettled by the growing popularity of the opposition and the support it was receiving from Nigerians.
The statement said the Sokoto rally demonstrated public support for the party’s promise to address economic hardship and make life more affordable, adding that the subsequent judgment threatened the political aspirations of thousands of its supporters and candidates.
The ADC argued that the dispute went beyond the political ambitions of Atiku and David Mark, insisting that the fundamental issue was the constitutional right of Nigerians to participate in the democratic process and choose their preferred leaders.
It further maintained that the judgment was legally questionable, citing an earlier ruling delivered by Justice Musa Liman of the same Federal High Court on July 2, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025.
According to the party, the earlier judgment affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the leadership.
The ADC argued that a court of coordinate jurisdiction lacked the authority to review, vary or nullify the subsisting decision of another court of equal jurisdiction.
It, however, said it was awaiting the Certified True Copy of Thursday’s judgment to determine its precise terms and implications before pursuing further legal action.
The party vowed to challenge the ruling through every available judicial process, describing it as inconsistent with established legal principles.
It also warned that the decision could have far-reaching consequences for thousands of ADC candidates seeking elective offices at the local, state and federal levels in the 2027 elections.
The party said it had witnessed similar developments in the past whenever opposition forces appeared to be gaining political momentum, alleging that judicial controversies were being used to frustrate political competition.
In a strong warning to the APC, the ADC said nobody should be so desperate to retain political power at the expense of national peace and stability.
It declared that Nigeria belonged to its citizens and that the presidency should not be treated as an inheritance belonging to any political party.
The party consequently challenged President Bola Tinubu and the APC to submit themselves to a free and fair electoral contest if they believed their policies and candidates enjoyed widespread public support.
It maintained that Nigerians should be allowed to decide who governs them through credible elections rather than political manoeuvres capable of weakening opposition parties.
