The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against actions it says could push Nigeria into a political crisis, following a controversial judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The opposition party accused the ruling party of using state institutions to weaken political opposition, arguing that attempts to undermine its participation in the 2027 general elections could threaten democratic stability.
The warning comes amid renewed political tension following the ADC’s presidential campaign rally in Sokoto on Wednesday, November 4, where former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar addressed supporters.
In its reaction to the Lifu judgment, the ADC described the court decision as a threat to political pluralism and warned that efforts to eliminate a major opposition party from the electoral process could have serious consequences for the country.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said Nigeria should not be pushed into a situation where political competition is determined through institutional manoeuvres rather than the choices of voters.
The ADC also accused the APC-led government of being uncomfortable with the growing activities of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party’s latest warning also comes after its campaign launch in Sokoto attracted supporters who gathered along parts of the route taken by Atiku’s motorcade.
According to the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, the former Vice-President’s journey from the airport to the party’s state secretariat took about three and a half hours because of the crowd.
The campaign described the turnout as evidence of growing public dissatisfaction with the Tinubu administration.
Its Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said the reception showed that the opposition party was gaining attention despite what it described as attempts to frustrate its activities.
However, the campaign’s account of the crowd size and the reasons behind the turnout has not been independently verified.
Justice Lifu’s earlier ruling ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC and four other political parties following a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators.
The judgment has been strongly challenged by the ADC, which argues that the decision conflicts with constitutional provisions and an existing Court of Appeal order staying proceedings in the matter.
The party has vowed to challenge the ruling through available legal channels and has also threatened to petition the National Judicial Council over the judge’s handling of the case.
The controversy has added another dimension to political preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the ADC insisting that it will continue its activities and defend its right to participate in the electoral process.
The party has urged its members and supporters to remain calm, stressing that political disagreements should be resolved through lawful and democratic means.