ADC Accuses APC of Using Judiciary to Weaken Opposition, Warns Against Threats to Nigeria’s Democracy

Opposition party says David Mark-led leadership remains legitimate, vows to challenge Federal High Court judgment and urges members to remain calm.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to undermine opposition parties through judicial interventions following a Federal High Court judgment that nullified the leadership of the Senator David Mark-led faction of the party.

The ADC described the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu in Abuja as a desperate attempt to weaken the opposition and deny Nigerians the opportunity to freely choose their leaders in the forthcoming general elections.

In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party questioned the timing of the judgment, which came barely 24 hours after its presidential campaign rally in Sokoto State attracted a massive crowd.

The party alleged that the ruling APC had become increasingly uncomfortable with the growing support for the ADC, particularly following the turnout at the Sokoto rally.

Abdullahi said the judgment appeared to have been prepared long before its delivery, suggesting that the opposition party’s successful rally might have accelerated the process.

“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,” he said.

He added that the development was an attempt to undermine the political choices of Nigerians and potentially affect thousands of ADC candidates seeking elective positions across the country.

The party argued that the dispute extended beyond the political fortunes of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and David Mark, insisting that it concerned the democratic rights of Nigerians and the participation of candidates in the electoral process.

The ADC also questioned the legal foundation of the judgment, citing an earlier ruling delivered on July 2, 2026, by Justice Musa Liman of the same Federal High Court in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025.

According to the party, the earlier judgment affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the leadership.

It argued that a court of coordinate jurisdiction could not sit on appeal over, review or nullify a subsisting judgment delivered by another court of equal jurisdiction.

The party consequently rejected what it described as consequential orders arising from the latest judgment, while disclosing that it was awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) to establish the precise terms and scope of the court’s decision.

The ADC vowed to challenge the judgment through all available judicial channels, insisting that the ruling was legally indefensible.

It further accused the APC of allegedly using judicial controversies to frustrate opposition activities whenever it perceived a growing threat to its political dominance.

Warning against what it described as attempts to eliminate political competition, the party said Nigeria’s peace and stability should not be sacrificed for the political ambitions of any individual or party.

“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,” the statement said.

The party also challenged President Bola Tinubu and the APC to submit themselves to a free and fair electoral contest if they were confident in their performance and popularity.

It urged the judiciary to resist any attempt to use the courts to undermine democratic institutions or impose authoritarian rule on the country.

“This is not just about the ADC or Atiku Abubakar; it is an ill wind that blows nobody any good,” the party stated.

Meanwhile, the ADC appealed to its members and supporters nationwide to remain calm and law-abiding as its leadership pursues legal options to address the judgment.