The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised a recent Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja which set aside an earlier judgment recognising the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.
The party described the decision as a potential setback to democratic development in Nigeria.
The position was contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.
The controversy follows a ruling by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, which had earlier ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party.
However, the court later set aside its judgment, citing the need to hear from all affected parties, including the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which claimed ownership of the logo used by the NDC.
Reacting to the development, Abdullahi said the ruling raises serious concerns about the state of Nigeria’s democracy and the independence of institutions.
He argued that recurring legal disputes involving opposition parties risk weakening democratic competition and narrowing political space.
“The cumulative effect of these developments is the weakening of opposition and the strengthening of those already in power,” he said.
The ADC spokesperson stressed that the judiciary must remain neutral and avoid actions that could be perceived as politically influenced.
He warned that with the general elections approaching, all actions affecting electoral credibility should be carefully scrutinised by citizens and democratic institutions.
“Democracy is sustained by fair competition, institutional neutrality and equal treatment under the law,” he stated.
Abdullahi further cautioned that continued legal uncertainty surrounding opposition parties could undermine Nigerians’ right to freely choose their leaders.
He urged stakeholders, including civil society organisations, the media, labour unions and legal professionals, to defend constitutional democracy.
“The judiciary remains one of democracy’s last lines of defence and must never appear to settle political contests,” he added.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to defending constitutional democracy and protecting political participation rights guaranteed under Nigeria’s constitution.
Abdullahi said ADC would continue to stand with Nigerians in ensuring that democratic space is not weakened ahead of the upcoming elections.
