The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has cautioned the judiciary against allowing court judgments to weaken opposition parties and undermine multi-party democracy following a ruling nullifying the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
This was just as the party warned that decisions capable of shutting out opposition parties from electoral participation could erode public confidence in the judiciary and further threaten Nigeria’s democratic space ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This was contained in a statement released on Friday by NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director.
Reacting to the Federal High Court judgment, the party said it was concerned that the ruling could create the impression that the judiciary was being used to weaken opposition voices.
“We have noted the Federal High Court judgment derecognising the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress.
“While we respect the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, we are concerned that judgments of this nature, if not carefully handled, risk creating the impression that the courts are being used to scuttle democracy and weaken opposition,” the statement read.
The party also questioned the frequency and manner of judgments delivered by some High Courts in disputes involving the ADC, alleging that they pointed to an attempt to prevent the party from participating in the 2027 elections.
“The way some of these judgements 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.
“This would amount to further shrinking the chances of multi-party democracy, which is already under a big threat under the APC-led government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” it added.
The NDC urged the judiciary to safeguard its independence, impartiality and integrity, while asking the ADC to immediately challenge the judgment before the appellate court.
It also called for an accelerated hearing of the appeal, arguing that the approaching 2027 elections made it necessary to resolve the dispute without prolonged uncertainty that could affect democratic participation.
Similarly, the Kwankwasiyya Movement expressed concern that the ADC leadership crisis could disrupt opposition parties’ preparations for the forthcoming elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its spokesperson, Dr Habibu Saleh Mohammed, the movement warned that uncertainty surrounding the ADC’s leadership and candidate selection could undermine the ability of opposition parties to organise and participate effectively.
It cautioned against allowing the legal dispute to disenfranchise party members, aspirants and Nigerians expecting a competitive electoral process.
“The uncertainty surrounding the ADC’s leadership and nominations should not be allowed to translate into the disenfranchisement of party members, aspirants and millions of Nigerians who expect a competitive and credible electoral process in 2027,” the statement said.
The movement called on the judiciary to ensure fairness, transparency and independence in resolving political disputes, stressing that all parties must be given a fair hearing.
It also urged the Federal Government to guarantee that opposition parties could operate freely without interference from government institutions or agencies.
“The Federal Government must ensure that opposition parties are allowed to operate freely without interference from any government institution or agency,” it said.
On the electoral process, the Kwankwasiyya Movement asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain neutral and be guided by the law and valid court orders in handling the ADC leadership dispute.
It further appealed to the parties involved to pursue available legal remedies peacefully and allow appellate courts to determine the outstanding issues without political interference.
“We are not asking the courts to favour any political party or individual. We are asking that justice be done fairly, consistently and without fear or favour,” the statement added.
The movement maintained that public confidence in democratic institutions depended not only on their decisions but also on whether such decisions were perceived by Nigerians as fair and impartial.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, on November 5, 2026, nullified the David Mark-led National Working Committee of the ADC in a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman (North-East) of the party.
Justice Peter Lifu ruled that the emergence of the Mark-led leadership following the resignation of former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, violated the ADC constitution, the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution.
The court also nullified decisions and actions taken by the leadership, including the party’s 2027 presidential primary that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as its candidate.
