ADC Accuses APC of Using Judiciary to Weaken Opposition, Warns Against Threat to Nigeria’s Stability
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to undermine opposition parties through the judiciary, following a Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu in Abuja.
The party described the judgment, which reportedly affects the Senator David Mark-led leadership and the candidacy of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, as a desperate attempt to weaken the opposition and deny Nigerians their democratic right to choose their leaders.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC linked the timing of the judgment to the massive turnout recorded at its presidential campaign rally in Sokoto on Wednesday.
The party alleged that the ruling was deliberately accelerated following the successful rally, which it said demonstrated growing public support for its political platform.
According to the ADC, the judgment could have far-reaching consequences for thousands of its candidates contesting elections at the local, state and federal levels.
It argued that the controversy was not merely about Atiku Abubakar or David Mark but about protecting the democratic rights of Nigerians and ensuring that eligible candidates are allowed to participate in elections.
The opposition party also questioned the legal basis of the judgment, 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.
The party maintained that the earlier judgment affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the leadership.
It argued that a court of coordinate jurisdiction cannot review, overturn or invalidate the subsisting judgment of another court of equal jurisdiction.
The ADC said it would challenge the latest judgment through all available judicial processes, adding that it was awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) to establish its precise terms and implications.
The party further accused the APC of using judicial controversies to frustrate opposition activities whenever it perceives growing political competition.
Warning against what it described as attempts to eliminate political competition, the ADC said Nigeria’s peace and stability should not be sacrificed for the political ambition of any individual or party.
It also questioned why the APC would allegedly be afraid of political competition if it believed its policies and candidates enjoyed widespread public support.
The party called on the judiciary to resist any attempt to use the courts to undermine democratic institutions and pave the way for dictatorship.
The ADC, however, urged its members nationwide to remain calm and law-abiding while the party pursues all available legal options to address the situation.
