The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has cautioned the judiciary against political interference in opposition parties, warning that court decisions capable of weakening opposition groups could undermine multiparty democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party’s warning followed a Federal High Court judgment nullifying the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President David Mark.
The NDC, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, on Friday, said judgments of such nature risk creating the impression that the courts were being used to frustrate opposition parties and weaken democratic competition.
“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 said.
The party also expressed concern over what it described as the pattern of judgments emanating from some High Courts, alleging that they suggested efforts to prevent the ADC from participating in the forthcoming general 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 advising the ADC to challenge the judgment at the appellate court without delay.
It also called on the Court of Appeal to accord any appeal arising from the judgment accelerated hearing, citing the approaching 2027 elections and the need to prevent prolonged legal uncertainty from affecting the party’s participation in the electoral process.
The controversy followed a judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 5, 2026, nullifying the David Mark-led National Working Committee of the ADC.
Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered the judgment, held that the emergence of the Mark-led leadership following the resignation of former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, violated the party’s constitution, the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution.
The suit was instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC Deputy National Chairman (North-East), who challenged Mark’s leadership and argued that he was entitled to assume the party’s leadership in accordance with its constitution.
The court also nullified decisions and actions taken by the Mark-led leadership, including the party’s 2027 presidential primary, which produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as its candidate.
It further directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise the affected decisions.
The ADC and Atiku have rejected the judgment and indicated plans to challenge it at the Court of Appeal.
