ADC Condemns NDC Court Ruling, Warns Against One-Party Rule

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has criticised the recent Federal High Court ruling that set aside the judgment recognising the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, as a political party.

The opposition party said the decision raises fresh concerns about the future of democracy in Nigeria and warned against actions that could weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election.

In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the court ruling was part of a wider pattern of legal and administrative actions that appear to be targeting opposition political parties.

According to the party, such developments could reduce political competition and create conditions that favour a one-party system.

The ADC argued that the issue goes beyond the NDC alone, saying every action that limits the activities of opposition parties affects the democratic rights of Nigerians. It maintained that when political parties spend time dealing with legal disputes instead of preparing for elections, voters are denied the opportunity to choose from a wide range of political alternatives.

The party also accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of failing to provide a level playing field for all political parties. It said democracy can only function properly when public institutions remain neutral and all political actors are treated fairly under the law.

With less than a year to the next general election, the ADC called on the judiciary to protect its independence and avoid actions that could weaken public confidence in the country’s democratic process. It warned that any perception that the courts are being used to settle political disputes in favour of those in power could damage Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

The party appealed to opposition parties, civil society organisations, labour groups, the legal community, the media and other Nigerians to work together in defending democratic institutions. It warned that if such developments continue unchecked, more opposition parties could face similar challenges in the future.

The ADC further urged Nigerians to remain alert against any attempt to silence opposition voices, insisting that freedom of association, political participation and the right of citizens to choose their leaders are constitutional rights that must be protected.

It added that it would continue to oppose any move capable of weakening Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system.