Court ruling: Don’t set Nigeria on fire over 2027 – ADC to APC
ADC Warns APC Against Judicial Manipulation in Political Contest
By Luminous Jannamike, Abuja
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) against jeopardizing national stability in its pursuit to maintain power in the upcoming 2027 elections. The ADC accused the ruling party of leveraging the judiciary to weaken opposition parties and diminish democratic competition.
This warning follows a recent Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, which the ADC claims jeopardizes its leadership and the candidacy of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The party expressed concern that the ruling could have far-reaching consequences for thousands of candidates seeking elective office nationwide.
In a statement released by National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC commented on the timing of Justice Peter Lifu’s ruling, which came just 24 hours after a large presidential campaign rally in Sokoto. Abdullahi asserted that this timing reflects the APC’s increasing concern about the growing political influence of the opposition.
“We have reasons to believe that the judgment had long been premeditated. The Sokoto rally was merely a catalyst that hastened its delivery,” Abdullahi alleged.
The ADC emphasized that the implications of the ruling extend beyond the fortunes of individual politicians, framing it as a critical issue regarding the rights of its members to participate in the 2027 elections.
“This is not just about Atiku Abubakar or David Mark. It is about the democratic rights of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders and the rights of thousands of candidates to engage in a democratic process,” the statement said.
To contest the recent ruling, the ADC cited an earlier decision by Justice Musa Liman of the same court delivered on July 2, 2026. This ruling affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee and instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to acknowledge its leadership.
The party contended that a court of equal jurisdiction should not overturn or nullify an existing ruling from another court of the same status.
“The ADC rejects any consequential orders that seem to dismiss these fundamental legal principles. We await the Certified True Copy of the judgment to thoroughly understand its terms, scope, and operative directives,” Abdullahi stated.
The ADC accused the APC of employing a recurring strategy of judicial manipulation to hinder opposition whenever it gains political momentum, stressing that the ongoing struggle for power should not compromise national stability.
“We warn the APC: do not play with fires you cannot control. The peace and stability of Nigeria are paramount and should not be sacrificed for any political ambition,” the statement asserted.
Abdullahi challenged President Bola Tinubu and the APC to engage directly with voters, questioning why a confident government would fear a competitive electoral process.
“If the President believes his administration has been effective, why is he afraid of competition? If the APC trusts in the popularity of its policies and candidates, why hesitate to participate in free and fair elections?” he asked.
The party urged the judiciary to resist becoming a tool for authoritarianism in Nigeria and insisted that the issues at stake extend beyond the ADC or Atiku Abubakar.
The ADC called on its members across the country to remain calm and adhere to the law while pursuing all available legal options.
