The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has cautioned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against actions that could threaten Nigeria’s peace and democratic stability ahead of the 2027 general elections, following a court judgment affecting the opposition party’s leadership and presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
The ADC accused the APC of attempting to weaken opposition parties through judicial controversies, alleging that the latest ruling came at a politically significant moment, barely 24 hours after Atiku’s campaign rally in Sokoto State.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the allegations in a statement on Thursday, warning that the consequences of the dispute could extend beyond the political future of Atiku and former Senate President David Mark.
According to the ADC, the judgment could affect thousands of its candidates seeking elective positions across the country in 2027.
ADC Questions Timing of Court Judgment
The opposition party expressed suspicion over the timing of the ruling delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Abdullahi alleged that the judgment may have been prepared earlier and that the large turnout at the Sokoto rally could have accelerated its delivery.
The party, however, did not provide independent evidence to establish that the APC influenced the court’s decision.
The ADC maintained that the dispute was not simply about the leadership of Mark or Atiku’s presidential ambition, but also about the right of party members and candidates to participate in the electoral process.
Party Cites Earlier Court Decision
The ADC also challenged the legal basis of the latest judgment, referring to an earlier ruling delivered by Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court on July 2, 2026.
The party argued that the earlier decision recognised the legitimacy of the Mark-led National Working Committee and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise its leadership.
It contended that a court of equal jurisdiction could not overturn or vary a subsisting judgment delivered by another court of the same level.
The ADC said it was awaiting the Certified True Copy of the latest judgment to establish its precise terms and the orders made before determining its next legal steps.
ADC Vows to Challenge Ruling
The party said it would pursue all available legal options to challenge the judgment, insisting that political disagreements should be resolved without undermining democratic competition.
It also called on the judiciary to resist any attempt by political interests to influence judicial decisions, warning that the exclusion of opposition candidates could damage public confidence in the electoral process.
In a direct challenge to President Bola Tinubu and the APC, the ADC questioned why a government confident in its performance would be reluctant to face strong opposition at the polls.
The party urged its members nationwide to remain calm and law-abiding while it pursues legal remedies.
The court ruling has introduced fresh uncertainty into the ADC’s preparations for the 2027 elections, with the party’s leadership and Atiku’s presidential nomination now facing a legal challenge.
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