Atiku condemned the court ruling against the ADC, accusing the Tinubu government of targeting the opposition

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has strongly criticized the Federal High Court decision ordering the deregistration of the ADC and four other political parties, alleging that the decision is part of a broader strategy to weaken the opposition’s strength ahead of the 2027 elections.

Responding to a statement issued on Monday by Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the decision as a serious threat to democratic governance and warned that it could weaken constitutional protections for political participation and pluralism.

The former vice president argued that the decision should concern all Nigerians committed to democracy, stressing that the matter was particularly troubling as the appeal process was already pending at the Court of Appeal.

According to him, the lower court continued the appeal process despite an appeal order stopping further proceedings in the case.

“This ruling reflects a dangerous escalation of authoritarian tactics and a blatant attack on Nigeria’s democracy.

“What makes this situation even more disturbing is that this judgment was purportedly delivered despite clear and substantive orders from the High Court. On May 22, 2026, the High Court, Abuja Division, granted the request to stay further proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025 pending the hearing and determination of the previous appeal.

“The implications of the order are not ambiguous. Suspension of legal proceedings does exactly what the order says. This order freezes any further steps in this matter, including the rendering of judgment. Any action taken in contravention of the order will raise serious questions regarding respect for the hierarchy of courts and loyalty to the rule of law.

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“Therefore, this latest ruling not only contradicts existing appellate orders; it also attacks the foundations of legal certainty and constitutional governance. If court orders can be considered an option when it is inconvenient for the authorities, then the rule of law itself is in grave danger.”

Atiku further argued that the decision reflected what he described as an emerging pattern of political intimidation aimed at reducing the influence of opposition parties before the next election cycle.

He accused the government of prioritizing political calculations over pressing national problems, including insecurity and economic hardship.

“It is becoming increasingly clear that the Tinubu government is specifically focused on eliminating key political opponents by 2027.

“Rather than confront the growing crises facing the country—rampant insecurity, economic hardship, rising poverty, unemployment, and the declining purchasing power of Nigerians—the government appears burdened by a desperate attempt to neutralize any existing opposition platforms.

“This is not governance, but the elimination of politics by other means.

“Nigerians can see what is happening. Opposition parties are being targeted. Democratic institutions are being suppressed. State power is increasingly being used not for national development but for political survival.”

Despite the court decision, the ADC presidential candidate urged party members and supporters not to lose faith in the democratic process, and emphasized that this struggle goes beyond the interests of any political organization.

According to him, the issue at stake is the preservation of democratic freedoms and the continuity of the multiparty political system in Nigeria.

“The battle before us involves not just political parties. It is a battle for the soul of Nigeria’s 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 will continue to pursue all legal and constitutional means to defend our party, protect democratic freedoms, and preserve the multiparty system that remains the cornerstone of our constitutional order.

“We call on the judiciary, civil society organizations, the media and all patriotic Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist any attempt to subvert democratic institutions for partisan gain.

“Nigerian democracy cannot be won easily. Democracy must not be handed over lightly,” he stressed.

The Federal High Court ruling, delivered by Judge Peter Lifu, directed the deregistration of the ADC and four other political parties for alleged failure to comply with constitutional and electoral performance requirements. The decision has sparked a backlash from opposition groups, many of whom have vowed to challenge the decision through the appeals court.