Atiku Condemns ADC Deregistration Ruling, Alleges Plot To Cripple Opposition Ahead Of 2027
•By Admin
ABUJA — FORMER Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has strongly condemned the Federal High Court judgment seeking the deregistration of the ADC and other opposition parties, describing it as a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy and an attempt to weaken political opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the ruling represents a dangerous assault on constitutional democracy and should concern all Nigerians who believe in the rule of law and political pluralism.
The former Vice President argued that the judgment was particularly troubling because it was reportedly delivered despite a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, which had earlier stayed further proceedings in the matter pending the determination of an appeal.
According to him, the appellate court’s order of May 22, 2026, effectively halted all actions relating to the suit, including the delivery of judgment.
“A stay of proceedings means precisely what it says. It freezes every further step in the matter, including the delivery of judgment,” Atiku stated, adding that any action taken contrary to the appellate court’s directive raises serious concerns about adherence to judicial hierarchy and the rule of law.
He warned that the judgment goes beyond a mere legal dispute and strikes at the foundation of constitutional governance and legal certainty in the country.
The ADC presidential candidate also alleged that the ruling fits into what he described as a growing pattern of political persecution and institutional manipulation aimed at weakening opposition parties before the next election cycle.
Atiku accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of focusing more on neutralising political opponents than addressing pressing national challenges such as insecurity, economic hardship, poverty, unemployment and declining living standards.
“It is becoming increasingly clear that the Tinubu administration is singularly focused on eliminating major political opponents ahead of 2027,” he said.
He maintained that democracy thrives on competition and political choice, warning that efforts to suppress opposition voices could undermine the country’s democratic foundations.
While assuring ADC members and supporters that the party would not be intimidated, Atiku said the struggle was larger than partisan politics and centred on protecting democratic freedoms and preserving Nigeria’s multiparty system.
“The battle before us transcends political parties. It is a battle for the soul of Nigerian democracy,” he declared.
He called on the judiciary, civil society organisations, the media and other stakeholders to remain vigilant and resist any attempt to undermine democratic institutions for political advantage.
Atiku further stressed that no amount of political pressure could override the Constitution, extinguish legitimate opposition or suppress the democratic aspirations of Nigerians seeking change.
The former Vice President vowed that the ADC would continue to pursue all lawful and constitutional avenues to challenge the judgment and defend democratic governance in the country.
•INDEPENDENTÑG.