The African Democratic Congress has warned the All Progressives Congress against desperate measures to retain power in 2027, accusing the ruling party of using the judiciary to weaken the opposition after a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja.
In a statement by National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the ruling by Justice Peter Lifu threatens its leadership and the candidacy of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The party linked the timing of the judgment—delivered barely 24 hours after its large presidential campaign rally in Sokoto—to what it described as the APC’s growing concern over the opposition’s rising profile.
“We have reasons to believe that the judgment had long been written on this case. The Sokoto rally was simply a trigger that stampeded its delivery,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC stressed that the dispute goes beyond the political fortunes of Senator David Mark or Atiku Abubakar. It said the outcome affects the right of thousands of candidates to participate in the 2027 elections and the democratic right of Nigerians to choose their leaders freely.
The party cited an earlier judgment by Justice Musa Liman of the same court, delivered on July 2, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025. That ruling affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise the leadership. The ADC argued that a court of coordinate jurisdiction cannot sit on appeal over, review or nullify a subsisting judgment of another court of equal standing.
“The ADC, therefore, rejects any consequential orders founded on a determination that appears to disregard these fundamental legal principles,” Abdullahi stated. The party said it is awaiting the certified true copy of the latest judgment to determine its precise terms and orders.
Abdullahi accused the APC of repeating a familiar pattern of deploying judicial controversies to frustrate the opposition whenever it gains momentum. He warned that the struggle to retain power must not endanger national stability.
“We warn the APC: do not play with fires you cannot control. The peace and stability of Nigeria are bigger than the ambition of any president or political party. Nobody should be so desperate to retain power that they are prepared to put the entire country at risk,” the statement said.
The ADC challenged President Bola Tinubu and the APC to face the electorate in a free and fair contest. “If the President thinks he has performed well in office, why is he afraid of competition? If the APC thinks that its policies and candidates are popular, why don’t they subject themselves to free and fair elections?” Abdullahi asked.
The party called on the judiciary not to allow itself to be used to impose dictatorship and urged its members nationwide to remain calm and law-abiding while it pursues all available legal remedies.
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