The African Democratic Congress has criticised the Supreme Court over its recent decision that allows the President to suspend elected governors and state assemblies during a state of emergency. The party said the ruling gives too much power to the Presidency and could weaken Nigeria’s democratic system.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party warned that the judgment could open the door to abuse of power. According to the ADC, the ruling allows the President to decide what actions to take once a state of emergency is declared, including steps that could remove elected leaders.
The party argued that this discretion could be misused against governors seen as opponents. It said a President could take advantage of security concerns to suspend a governor and the state assembly, even where such actions may not be necessary.
ADC stated that the ruling goes against the idea of equality among the different levels of government. It added that the decision places state governments under the control of the federal executive, which it described as a threat to the federal structure of the country.
The party also questioned the safeguards mentioned by the court, such as legislative oversight and judicial review. It argued that the National Assembly has become weak and unable to check the powers of the executive, while the court’s own decision limits the role of judicial review.
ADC warned that Nigeria could be moving toward a system where power is gathered through legal means rather than force. It said recent events show that both the legislature and the judiciary may no longer be able to stop a steady decline in democratic practice.