The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticised the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, over its decision to set aside an earlier judgment recognising the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party, warning that the ruling could undermine Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the next general elections.
The party described the judgment as a disturbing development that could shrink the nation’s democratic space and weaken the opposition through judicial processes.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, expressed concern over Friday’s ruling by Justice Isah Dashen, which nullified the court’s earlier order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party.
Justice Dashen held that the earlier judgment adversely affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which was not joined in the suit, despite its claim to ownership of the logo adopted by the NDC.
Reacting to the decision, Abdullahi said the ruling raised fundamental concerns about the state of democracy and judicial independence in Nigeria.
“The Lokoja Federal High Court’s decision raises serious questions about the state of Nigeria’s democracy,” he said.
According to him, opposition parties have repeatedly been subjected to avoidable legal disputes and administrative actions that appear designed to weaken their ability to compete effectively in the country’s political landscape.
“The cumulative effect of these attacks is unmistakable. They weaken the opposition, narrow democratic space and strengthen those already holding political power,” Abdullahi stated.
He argued that the controversy transcends partisan politics, stressing that prolonged legal uncertainty surrounding the registration of political parties could erode Nigerians’ constitutional right to freely choose among credible political alternatives.
“Democracy is sustained by fair competition, institutional neutrality and equal treatment under the law. This has not been the case,” he added.
The ADC spokesperson noted that with less than seven months to the general elections, every action capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process deserves careful scrutiny from citizens and democratic institutions.
He urged the judiciary to remain impartial, describing the courts as one of the last safeguards of Nigeria’s democratic system.
“The judiciary remains one of democracy’s last lines of defence and must never appear to settle political contests,” Abdullahi said, adding that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.
He warned against any perception of partisan interference in judicial decisions involving political parties, saying such impressions could erode public confidence in democratic institutions.
Calling for a united defence of constitutional democracy, Abdullahi appealed to opposition parties, civil society organisations, organised labour, members of the legal profession, media practitioners and Nigerians at large to resist any attempt to weaken democratic competition.
“Yesterday’s target was the NDC. Tomorrow, it could be anyone offering Nigerians an alternative. We must defend democratic space before it disappears,” he cautioned.
He further urged Nigerians to remain vigilant against actions capable of intimidating or silencing legitimate opposition voices ahead of the forthcoming elections.
Reaffirming the party’s commitment to democratic principles, Abdullahi maintained that the Constitution guarantees freedom of association, political participation and the right of citizens to freely elect their leaders.
“The ADC will continue to stand firmly with Nigerians in defending constitutional democracy,” he said.