*DEMOCRACY UNDER SIEGE
Former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has condemned in the strongest terms the judgment seeking to deregister the ADC and several other opposition political parties, describing it as a dangerous assault on constitutional democracy and further evidence of a coordinated effort to eliminate political opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said the ruling should alarm every Nigerian who believes in democracy, political pluralism, and the rule of law.
He noted that the judgement was particularly troubling because it was delivered in the face of a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal which had expressly stayed further proceedings in the matter pending the determination of an appeal.
“The judgement represents a dangerous escalation of authoritarian tactics and a blatant assault on Nigeria’s democracy.
“What makes the situation even more disturbing is that this judgement was purportedly delivered despite a clear and subsisting order of the Court of Appeal. On May 22, 2026, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, granted an application staying further proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025 pending the hearing and determination of the appeal before it.
“The implication of that order is not ambiguous. A stay of proceedings means precisely what it says. It freezes every further step in the matter, including the delivery of judgement. Any action taken contrary to that order raises serious questions about respect for the hierarchy of courts and fidelity to the rule of law.
“This latest judgement therefore does not merely contradict a subsisting appellate order; it strikes at the very foundation of legal certainty and constitutional governance. If court orders can be treated as optional whenever they become inconvenient to those in power, then the rule of law itself is in grave danger.”
Atiku said the judgement fits into an increasingly obvious pattern of political persecution and institutional manipulation aimed at weakening opposition parties before the next election cycle.
“It is becoming increasingly clear that the Tinubu administration is singularly focused on eliminating major political opponents ahead of 2027.
“Rather than confronting the mounting crises facing the nation—rampant insecurity, economic hardship, rising poverty, unemployment, and the declining purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians—the government appears consumed by a desperate quest to neutralise every viable opposition platform.
“This is not governance. It is political elimination by other means.
“The Nigerian people can see what is happening. Opposition parties are being targeted. Democratic institutions are being pressured. State power is increasingly being deployed not for national development but for political survival.”
The former Vice President urged members of the ADC and supporters of democratic governance across the country not to be discouraged by the ruling.
“We wish to reassure all members of the ADC, our supporters, and all Nigerians who believe in democratic competition that we will not be intimidated by these desperate manoeuvres.
“The battle before us transcends political parties. It is a battle for the soul of Nigerian democracy. It is a battle between those who believe in freedom of choice and those who seek to impose political uniformity through intimidation and institutional capture.
“We shall continue to pursue all lawful and constitutional avenues to defend our party, protect democratic freedoms, and preserve the multiparty system which remains the cornerstone of our constitutional order.
“We call on the judiciary, civil society organisations, the media, and all patriotic Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist every attempt to subvert democratic institutions for partisan advantage.
“Nigeria’s democracy was not won cheaply. It must not be surrendered cheaply.”
Atiku stressed that no amount of political desperation can override the Constitution, extinguish the opposition, or silence the democratic aspirations of millions of Nigerians who desire change.
Signed:
Phrank Shaibu
Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku Abubakar. Vice President of Nigeria 1999-2007 and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress.
