Atiku Condemns ADC Deregistration Judgment, Says Democracy Under Siege
Former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has strongly condemned the Federal High Court judgment seeking the deregistration of the ADC and several other opposition political parties, describing it as a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that the ruling was delivered despite a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal which had stayed further proceedings in the case pending the determination of an appeal.
He described the judgment as a “dangerous escalation of authoritarian tactics” and warned that disregarding appellate court orders undermines the rule of law and constitutional governance.
According to Atiku, the ruling forms part of a broader pattern of political persecution and institutional manipulation aimed at weakening opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. He accused the administration of focusing on eliminating political opponents instead of addressing pressing national challenges such as insecurity, economic hardship, poverty, and unemployment.
The former Vice President reassured ADC members and supporters that the party would pursue all lawful and constitutional means to challenge the judgment and defend Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system.
He also called on the judiciary, civil society organisations, the media, and Nigerians to remain vigilant against any attempt to undermine democratic institutions, stressing that Nigeria’s democracy must be protected from political interference.
