The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using judicial controversies to weaken the opposition following a Federal High Court judgment affecting its leadership and the candidacy of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
In a statement Thursday, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu in Abuja as an attempt to undermine its growing political influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party linked the timing of the judgment to its massive presidential campaign rally in Sokoto on Wednesday, alleging that the turnout had unsettled the ruling party.
“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,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC warned that the ruling could affect thousands of its candidates across local, state and federal elections, arguing that the dispute goes beyond the political interests of Atiku Abubakar and David Mark.
It also cited an earlier judgment delivered on July 2, 2026, by Justice Musa Liman of the same Federal High Court, which it said recognised the David Mark-led National Working Committee and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise its leadership.
The party argued that a court of coordinate jurisdiction could not overturn a subsisting judgment of another court of equal jurisdiction.
While awaiting the Certified True Copy of the latest judgment, the ADC said it would challenge the decision through all available legal channels.
It also urged its members to remain calm and law-abiding, warning the APC against actions that could threaten Nigeria's democratic 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.
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