Nigeria Sliding Into One-Party State — ADC Faults Court Ruling on NDC

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged a coordinated effort to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election, warning that Nigeria risks drifting into a one-party state if what it described as a growing assault on democracy is not addressed.

The party made the allegation following a Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja that set aside its earlier judgment recognising the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), describing the development as part of a broader pattern aimed at shrinking the country’s democratic space.

In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed concern over what it called a series of legal and administrative actions targeting opposition parties, insisting that the trend threatens constitutional democracy.

The statement read, “The cumulative effect of these attacks is unmistakable: they weaken the opposition, narrow the democratic space, and strengthen the hands of those already in power. This is not how a healthy democracy functions.”

According to the party, the controversy surrounding the NDC extends beyond a single political party and affects the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic system.

It stated that when opposition parties are distracted by prolonged legal disputes and what it termed manufactured controversies, Nigerians are denied the opportunity to choose from credible political alternatives.

The ADC also accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of creating conditions that undermine fair political competition, arguing that democracy requires impartial institutions and equal treatment of all political actors under the law.

“This has not been the case under the Bola Tinubu administration,” the statement added.

The party called on the judiciary to safeguard its independence and avoid actions capable of eroding public confidence in the electoral process.

“The judiciary remains one of the last lines of defence for our democracy and must never be perceived as an arena where political battles are settled on behalf of those who wield executive power. Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done,” Abdullahi said.

The ADC warned that any perception of the courts being used for partisan political purposes could have serious consequences for Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

It also urged opposition parties, civil society organisations, the legal community, labour unions, the media and Nigerians to unite in defence of democratic institutions.

“Yesterday’s target was the NDC. Tomorrow, it could be anyone who dares to offer Nigerians an alternative. We must not wait until the democratic space has been completely suffocated before we act,” the statement said.

The party further called on Nigerians to resist any attempt to intimidate or silence opposition voices, stressing that freedom of association, political participation and the right to choose leaders are constitutional rights that must be protected.

The ADC maintained that it would continue to oppose any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and pledged to stand with all those committed to preserving democratic governance.