Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has strongly condemned a court judgment ordering the deregistration of the ADC and several other opposition political parties, describing the ruling as a grave threat to Nigeria’s constitutional democracy and multiparty system.
Mr Atiku, in a statement issued on Monday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said the judgment should concern all Nigerians who value democratic governance, political pluralism and the rule of law.
The former vice president argued that the ruling was particularly disturbing because it was delivered despite what he described as a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal staying further proceedings in the matter pending the determination of an appeal.
According to him, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, had on May 22, 2026, granted an application staying further proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025 until the appeal before it was heard and determined.
Mr Atiku maintained that the implication of the appellate court’s order was clear and unambiguous, insisting that any action taken after the stay of proceedings raises serious concerns about adherence to judicial hierarchy and respect for the rule of law.
“The judgment represents a dangerous escalation of authoritarian tactics and a blatant assault on Nigeria’s democracy,” he said.
“What makes the situation even more disturbing is that this judgment was purportedly delivered despite a clear and subsisting order of the Court of Appeal.”
The former vice president argued that the ruling goes beyond the fate of a single political party, warning that it could undermine legal certainty and constitutional governance if allowed to stand.
He stated that court orders must be obeyed regardless of political considerations, adding that treating judicial pronouncements as optional poses a serious threat to democratic institutions.
Mr Atiku further alleged that the judgment fits into what he described as a broader pattern of political persecution and institutional manipulation aimed at weakening opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the administration of President appears more focused on neutralising political opponents than addressing the country’s pressing socio-economic and security challenges.
He cited insecurity, rising poverty, unemployment, economic hardship and declining purchasing power among Nigerians as issues requiring urgent government attention.
“It is becoming increasingly clear that the Tinubu administration is singularly focused on eliminating major political opponents ahead of 2027,” Atiku alleged.
“Rather than confronting the mounting crises facing the nation, the government appears consumed by a desperate quest to neutralise every viable opposition platform.”
The former vice president described the situation as an attempt to achieve political elimination through non-electoral means, warning that democratic institutions were coming under increasing pressure.
He, however, urged members of the ADC and supporters of democratic governance across the country not to lose faith in the democratic process.
Atiku assured party members that the ADC would continue to pursue all lawful and constitutional avenues to challenge the judgment and defend its existence as a political platform.
“The battle before us transcends political parties. It is a battle for the soul of Nigerian democracy,” he said.
He added that the struggle was between those who believe in freedom of political choice and those allegedly seeking to impose political uniformity through intimidation and institutional capture.
The former vice president also called on the judiciary, civil society organisations, the media and Nigerians to remain vigilant against any actions capable of undermining democratic institutions or compromising the country’s multiparty democracy.
Mr Atiku stressed that Nigeria’s democracy was achieved through years of struggle and sacrifice and should not be surrendered through actions that weaken opposition voices or restrict political competition.
He concluded by insisting that no amount of political pressure could override the Constitution, extinguish opposition politics or suppress the democratic aspirations of Nigerians seeking change through lawful means.
