The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has fired a strong warning at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that it will resist any attempt to cripple the opposition through what it described as questionable court judgments.
The party said the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which sacked the Senator David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) and invalidated decisions taken under its leadership, including the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate, was a desperate move to silence opposition voices ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC questioned the timing of the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, barely 24 hours after a massive turnout at its presidential campaign rally in Sokoto.
The party alleged that the ruling had long been prepared but was hurriedly delivered following the impressive crowd at the rally, where supporters gathered to endorse its political agenda.
According to the ADC, Nigerians who had openly demonstrated support for the party were now being told that its leadership and candidates could be wiped out through what it called a reckless judicial decision.
The opposition party also warned that the ruling could have far-reaching consequences for thousands of its candidates seeking elective positions at local, state and federal levels.
It insisted that the dispute was not merely about Atiku or Mark but about the democratic rights of Nigerians to choose their leaders freely.
The ADC described the judgment as legally indefensible, arguing that it contradicted an earlier ruling delivered by Justice Musa Liman of the same Federal High Court on July 2, 2026.
The earlier judgment, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025, reportedly affirmed the legitimacy of the Mark-led NWC and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the leadership.
The party argued that a court cannot sit on appeal over or overturn the decision of another court of coordinate jurisdiction.
It said it would obtain the Certified True Copy of the latest judgment before determining its full implications but vowed to challenge the decision through every available legal avenue.
Accusing the APC of using the judiciary to weaken political opponents whenever the opposition gains momentum, the ADC said millions of Nigerians would not remain silent while their democratic rights were allegedly being threatened.
Issuing a stern warning to the ruling party, the ADC declared: “We warn the APC: do not play with fires you cannot control.”
It cautioned that the political crisis could threaten national peace and stability, insisting that no president or political party should be so desperate to retain power that it puts the country at risk.
The party also challenged President Bola Tinubu and the APC to face the electorate if they were confident in their performance and popularity.
It questioned why the ruling party should fear political competition if Nigerians were satisfied with its policies and candidates.
The ADC further appealed to the judiciary not to allow itself to be used to impose dictatorship on the country, warning that the controversy went beyond the party and its presidential candidate.
It urged its members nationwide to remain calm and law-abiding while it pursues legal options to challenge the judgment.
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