ADC Raises Alarm Over NDC Court Ruling, Warns Nigeria Against One-Party State
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the recent Federal High Court ruling involving the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), warning that Nigeria’s democracy is under increasing threat from what it described as attempts to weaken opposition parties ahead of the next general election.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC alleged that the court’s decision to set aside its earlier judgment recognising the NDC reflects a wider pattern of legal and administrative actions aimed at shrinking the country’s democratic space.
The party argued that the continued targeting of opposition groups undermines political competition and strengthens those already in power, contrary to the principles of a healthy democracy.
According to the ADC, the controversy surrounding the NDC extends beyond a single political party and raises broader concerns about Nigerians’ constitutional right to freely choose among credible political alternatives.
The party also accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of creating an environment that does not guarantee equal treatment for all political actors, insisting that democracy can only thrive where institutions remain neutral and impartial.
With the general election approaching, the ADC urged the judiciary to safeguard its independence and avoid actions capable of diminishing public confidence in the electoral process. It stressed that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.
The opposition party further appealed to civil society organisations, the legal community, organised labour, the media, and Nigerians to unite in defending democratic institutions, warning that any attempt to silence opposition voices threatens the country’s multi-party democracy.
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic governance, the ADC said it would continue to resist any effort to undermine constitutional rights, including freedom of association and political participation.
