The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against what it described as an attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democracy through judicial controversies, following a fresh judgment by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

 

The party, led by former Senate President David Mark, described the judgment, which reportedly affects its national leadership and the candidacy of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as an attempt to weaken the opposition ahead of the forthcoming general elections.

 

In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC questioned the timing of the judgment, which came barely 24 hours after its presidential campaign rally in Sokoto.

 

The party alleged that the ruling was part of a broader effort to frustrate its growing political activities and prevent Nigerians from freely choosing their preferred candidates.

 

According to Abdullahi, the massive turnout recorded at the party’s Sokoto rally demonstrated public support for the ADC, but the latest court decision had raised concerns about the political future of its candidates.

 

“We have reasons to believe that the judgment had long been written on this case. The Sokoto rally was simply a trigger that stampeded its delivery,” the statement read.

 

The party argued that the implications of the judgment went beyond David Mark and Atiku Abubakar, warning that it could affect thousands of ADC candidates seeking elective positions at the local, state and federal levels.

 

“Do these people understand what they are playing with? This is not about Atiku Abubakar or David Mark. It is about the democratic rights of Nigerians to freely choose their own leaders. It is about the rights of thousands of candidates to participate in a democratic process,” Abdullahi stated.

 

ADC Cites Previous Court Judgment, Vows Legal Challenge

 

The opposition party also questioned the legal basis of the latest judgment, citing an earlier ruling delivered by Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court on July 2, 2026.

 

According to the ADC, the judgment in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025 affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the party’s leadership.

 

The party maintained that a court of coordinate jurisdiction cannot review, overturn or invalidate the decision of another court of equal jurisdiction.

 

It consequently rejected any consequential orders arising from the latest ruling, insisting that it would challenge the decision through all available legal channels.

 

However, the ADC disclosed that it was awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of Justice Lifu’s judgment to establish its precise terms, scope and operative orders.

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The party further alleged that similar judicial controversies had emerged whenever opposition parties appeared to be gaining political momentum.

 

It accused unnamed actors of attempting to use court proceedings to weaken opposition parties, adding that Nigerians would resist any attempt to undermine their democratic rights.

 

‘Nigeria Belongs to Nigerians, Not APC’

The ADC also issued a warning to the APC, cautioning the ruling party against pursuing actions that could threaten the country’s peace and political stability.

 

“We warn the APC: do not play with fires you cannot control. The peace and stability of Nigeria are bigger than the ambition of any president or political party,” the statement added.

 

The party questioned why the ruling party should be concerned about political competition if it believed its performance in government and its candidates enjoyed widespread public support.

 

It also insisted that the presidency should not be treated as an inheritance, arguing that Nigerians must be allowed to determine who governs them through free and fair elections.

 

“If the President thinks he has performed well in office, why is he afraid of competition? If the APC thinks that its policies and candidates are popular, why don’t they subject themselves to free and fair elections?” the ADC asked.

 

ADC Calls on Judiciary, Urges Members to Remain Calm

 

The opposition party called on the Nigerian judiciary to resist any attempt by political interests to influence its decisions, warning against what it described as the danger of allowing the courts to be used to undermine democratic competition.

 

It maintained that the controversy surrounding the judgment was not merely an internal party matter but one with wider implications for Nigeria’s democratic process.

 

“This is not just about the ADC or Atiku Abubakar; it is an ill wind that blows nobody any good,” the statement said.

 

The party, however, urged its members and supporters across the country to remain calm and law-abiding while its legal team pursues the available judicial options.

 

The latest development adds another layer to the legal and political challenges surrounding the ADC’s leadership and preparations for the forthcoming general elections.