Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the Federal High Court judgment seeking the deregistration of the ADC and other opposition parties, alleging that it is part of a calculated plot to cripple opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku, in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, described the ruling as a direct attack on Nigeria’s democracy, warning that it poses a serious threat to political pluralism and constitutional governance.
According to him, the judgment was particularly disturbing because it was reportedly delivered despite an existing order of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, which had stayed further proceedings in the matter pending the determination of an appeal.
He said the appellate court’s order of May 22, 2026, effectively halted every action connected 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.
The former Vice President argued that any action taken contrary to the Court of Appeal’s directive raises fundamental questions about respect for judicial hierarchy and adherence to the rule of law.
He warned that the issue goes beyond a legal dispute and strikes at the heart of democratic governance and legal certainty in Nigeria.
Atiku further alleged that the judgment fits into what he described as a growing pattern of political persecution and institutional manipulation designed to weaken opposition parties before the next election cycle.
“It is becoming increasingly clear that the Tinubu administration is singularly focused on eliminating major political opponents ahead of 2027,” he said.
The ADC presidential candidate accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of paying more attention to neutralising opposition voices than tackling the nation’s mounting challenges, including insecurity, poverty, unemployment, economic hardship and declining living standards.
He maintained that democracy can only thrive where citizens have genuine political choices and warned that attempts to silence opposition parties could undermine Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
While assuring ADC members and supporters that the party would not be intimidated, Atiku insisted that the struggle transcends partisan interests.
“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 democratic stakeholders to remain vigilant and resist any attempt to manipulate state institutions for political advantage.
Atiku also stressed that no amount of political pressure could override the Constitution, extinguish legitimate opposition or suppress the democratic aspirations of Nigerians.
The former Vice President vowed that the ADC would pursue all lawful and constitutional means to challenge the judgment and defend Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
