The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has criticised attempts to blame President Bola Tinubu and the Presidency for the court ruling that nullified the leadership structure of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying political dissatisfaction should not be treated as proof of executive interference.
The party urged Nigerians to assess the judgment on its legal merits rather than judge the court’s decision solely by its political consequences.
NNPP Board of Trustees Chairman and founder, Dr Boniface Aniebonam, stated this in Abuja on Monday while reacting to public commentary surrounding the ruling.
He said Nigerians who instituted the legal action against the ADC leadership were entitled to seek judicial redress, just as other citizens had the right to participate in the 2027 general elections.
Aniebonam argued that a judgment affecting the political prospects of a prominent opposition figure did not, by itself, establish that the Presidency had influenced the outcome.
He maintained that anyone alleging executive interference or compromise within the judiciary should present verifiable evidence instead of relying on political speculation.
The NNPP chieftain also drew a distinction between criticising the legal reasoning behind a judgment and questioning the integrity of the judge who delivered it.
According to him, the former is a legitimate part of public and legal debate, while allegations against a judicial officer require credible evidence.
The controversy followed a Nov. 5 ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which nullified the caretaker leadership of the ADC led by former Senate President David Mark.
The court also invalidated decisions taken under the caretaker arrangement, including the process that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment in a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC Deputy National Chairman (North-East), who challenged the process through which Mark and other members of the caretaker committee assumed control of the party.
The ruling also affected the emergence of former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s National Secretary, other national officers and candidate nominations made under the disputed leadership.
Aniebonam advised the ADC leadership to concentrate on available legal options, including pursuing an appeal and seeking a stay of execution where appropriate, rather than allowing political accusations to dominate the debate.
He cited the NNPP’s own prolonged leadership disputes, saying his party had pursued its legal battles without attributing unfavourable developments to the Presidency.
He said the NNPP continued through the courts until the party’s leadership position was recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The party leader further warned political figures and commentators against inflammatory statements, particularly as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.
He urged the media to avoid amplifying unsubstantiated allegations that could heighten political tension or damage Nigeria’s image internationally.
Aniebonam called on political leaders and other influential Nigerians to prioritise national unity, peace and responsible public communication as the country approaches another election cycle.
