Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has strongly criticised the court judgment seeking the deregistration of the ADC and several other opposition parties, describing it as a threat to Nigeria’s constitutional democracy and a deliberate attempt to weaken political opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the ruling should concern all Nigerians who value democracy, political diversity, and the rule of law.
He argued that the judgment was particularly troubling because it was delivered despite an existing order of the Court of Appeal, which had suspended further proceedings in the case pending the determination of an appeal.
According to him, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on May 22, 2026, granted an application staying further proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025 until the appeal before it is concluded.
Atiku maintained that a stay of proceedings clearly halts all actions in a matter, including the delivery of judgment, and warned that proceeding otherwise raises serious concerns about adherence to the judicial hierarchy and respect for the rule of law.
He said the ruling not only conflicts with a subsisting appellate court order but also undermines legal certainty and constitutional governance.
The former vice president further alleged that the judgment reflects a broader pattern of political intimidation and institutional manipulation aimed at weakening opposition parties before the next election cycle.
He accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of focusing on silencing political opponents instead of addressing pressing national challenges such as insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, poverty, and the declining purchasing power of Nigerians.
According to Atiku, the government appears more concerned with political survival than governance, adding that opposition parties and democratic institutions are increasingly coming under pressure.
Despite the development, he urged ADC members and supporters not to lose hope, assuring them that the party would continue to pursue all legal and constitutional means to defend its existence and protect democratic freedoms.
He stressed that the issue extends beyond political parties and represents a broader struggle to preserve Nigeria’s democratic values, freedom of choice, and multiparty system.
Atiku also called on the judiciary, civil society organisations, the media, and Nigerians to remain vigilant against any attempt to undermine democratic institutions for political gain.
He concluded by stating that Nigeria’s democracy was earned through sacrifice and must be protected, insisting that no amount of political pressure can override the Constitution, eliminate opposition voices, or suppress the aspirations of Nigerians seeking change.
