The former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reacted to the recent court ruling ordering the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the judgment as part of an alleged effort to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement shared on social media by his Media Aide, Paul Ibe, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate claimed that the ruling may represent one of the strongest indications yet of what he described as President Bola Tinubu’s determination to undermine the opposition and pave the way for a de facto one-party state.
“The so-called deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) along with other parties by Justice Peter Lifu may yet be the biggest manifestation of Tinubu’s hell-bent bid to undermine the opposition and entrench a de facto one-party state,” he said.
Atiku further described the judgment as “the height of judicial rascality,” arguing that it was delivered despite an existing order of the Court of Appeal.
According to him, a panel of the Court of Appeal comprising Justices Mohammed A. Danjuma, Adebunkunola A. Banjoko, and Oyejoju O. Oyewumi had earlier directed Justice Peter Lifu to stay further proceedings on the matter pending the determination of an appeal.
The aide referenced Appeal No. CA/ABJ/CV/569/2026 and Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025, stating that the appellate court’s order was issued on May 22, 2026, while the appeal itself had been scheduled for hearing on October 27, 2026.
He alleged that the development reflects growing desperation on the part of the ruling party to secure political advantage ahead of the next election cycle.
“Nigerians and the international community can see the level of desperation of the government of the ruling party to either have their way in the 2027 elections or destroy our democracy that was purchased at a huge cost,” he stated.
The comments have added to the growing debate surrounding the court ruling and its implications for Nigeria’s multiparty democracy, with opposition figures and supporters expressing concerns over the future of political competition in the country.
