By Mandy Park
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has warned the judiciary against allowing itself to be used to undermine democracy following a Federal High Court judgment derecognising the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The party said the judgment could further weaken opposition parties and threaten Nigeria’s multi-party democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The NDC, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq., expressed concern that the pattern of judgments emerging from some courts could create the impression that the judiciary was being used to frustrate opposition political parties.
It said the development raised questions about the independence and impartiality of the judiciary, particularly at a time when political parties were preparing for the next general elections.
While acknowledging the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, the party cautioned that decisions capable of determining the political future of opposition parties must be handled with utmost care.
“The way some of these judgments are being churned out, especially from the High Courts, suggests a deliberate effort to shut out the ADC from the forthcoming general elections by other means,” the statement said.
The NDC warned that such a development could further narrow the political space and undermine the principle of multi-party democracy, which it said was already facing serious threats under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
It urged the judiciary to protect its independence, integrity and impartiality, stressing that the courts must not be seen as instruments for achieving political objectives.
The party also called on the ADC to immediately appeal the judgment, urging the appellate court to grant an accelerated hearing to ensure that the dispute was resolved before the 2027 elections.
According to the NDC, prolonged uncertainty over the ADC’s leadership could affect its participation in the electoral process and weaken the ability of opposition parties to offer Nigerians credible alternatives.
It added that the appellate court should treat the matter with urgency in the interest of democratic stability and political participation.
The controversy surrounding the ADC leadership has generated concerns about the party’s preparedness for the 2027 elections, with the dispute raising questions about its leadership structure and ability to navigate the electoral process.
The NDC submitted that protecting the democratic space required an independent judiciary, strong opposition parties and a political environment in which all eligible parties could freely participate in elections.
The ADC has rejected the judgment and indicated its intention to challenge it, arguing that the latest decision raises questions about the earlier ruling recognising its leadership.
The development has added to the uncertainty surrounding opposition preparations for the 2027 general elections, with concerns that prolonged legal battles could affect the ability of affected parties to meet electoral requirements and participate fully in the polls.
