The Forum of African Democratic Congress (ADC) Governorship Candidates has condemned the Federal High Court judgment nullifying the party’s leadership under Senator David Mark, describing it as a threat to multiparty democracy and Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
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Key Highlights
- ADC governorship candidates condemned Justice Peter Lifu’s November 5 judgment nullifying the David Mark-led leadership.
- They said the ruling conflicts with a July 2, 2026 judgment by Justice Musa Liman that recognised Mark’s leadership.
- The forum urged the UN, AU, ECOWAS, the Commonwealth, the EU, the US and the UK to monitor Nigeria’s political environment.
- It accused the Tinubu administration of creating a hostile environment for opposition parties.
- The candidates called for urgent judicial review and asked INEC to remain impartial.
The forum also called on the United Nations, African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Commonwealth, the European Union, United States and United Kingdom to closely monitor Nigeria’s political environment and intervene diplomatically to protect opposition politics.
The candidates made the demands in a statement issued in reaction to the November 5 judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja. Justice Lifu had nullified the Mark-led leadership of the ADC and invalidated decisions taken under its authority.
Describing the ruling as a grave assault on democratic freedom, the governorship candidates argued that its implications extended beyond the internal affairs of the party, warning that it can undermine political participation and create uncertainty ahead of the 2027 elections.
The governorship candidates expressed concern that the judgment can affect thousands of party members and aspirants across the country who have committed resources and time to pursuing elective offices on the ADC platform.
Conflicting Court Rulings
While acknowledging that political parties were not above the law, the forum insisted that judicial decisions must be consistent, impartial and free from discrimination.
The candidates also questioned the judgment’s relationship with an earlier ruling delivered by Justice Musa Liman on July 2, 2026, which they said recognised the legitimacy of the David Mark-led leadership.
They argued that the conflicting decisions raised serious legal questions concerning judicial consistency, precedent and the authority of courts of coordinate jurisdiction.
Consequently, they urged the appellate courts to urgently examine the issues arising from Justice Lifu’s judgment and ensure that established judicial principles were upheld.
‘Democracy Is About Competition, Not Coronation’
The forum also accused the Tinubu administration of creating an increasingly hostile political environment for opposition parties, warning against what it described as attempts to weaken political competition.
It maintained that Nigeria must not drift towards a one-party system, insisting that democracy could not thrive without a credible and vibrant opposition.
According to the candidates, Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) must allow Nigerians to determine the country’s political leadership through competitive elections rather than actions capable of weakening opposition platforms.
“Democracy is about competition, not coronation. If the president and his political associates believe that their performance deserves another mandate, they should present their records to Nigerians and allow the electorate to decide,” the forum said.
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- ADC Members Protest At NJC, UN, Foreign Embassies Over Mark’s Removal
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- ADC Legal Adviser Osunbor Warns Conflicting Court Rulings Could Trigger Political Crisis
Appeal to International Community
On the international dimension, the candidates urged the UN secretary-general, AU Commission, ECOWAS, Commonwealth secretariat, European Union, United States and United Kingdom to engage Nigerian authorities over concerns about political pluralism, judicial independence and freedom of association.
They clarified that their appeal is not an invitation for foreign governments to interfere in Nigeria’s judicial process or dictate its political choices, but a call for the country to honour its international democratic commitments.
Citing the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the forum said Nigeria has obligations to protect political participation, opposition parties and citizens’ rights to vote and contest elections.
The candidates warned that the cumulative effect of political and legal controversies involving opposition parties can undermine the credibility of the 2027 elections if not properly addressed.
They stressed that credible elections require an atmosphere in which political parties can organise freely, candidates could campaign without intimidation and electoral institutions could operate independently.
Among their demands, the forum called for urgent judicial review of the November 5 judgment, protection of ADC members and candidates, and a public reaffirmation of the federal government’s commitment to multiparty democracy.
They also urged President Tinubu and the APC leadership to refrain from actions capable of undermining opposition parties, while calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain impartial and discharge its responsibilities strictly in accordance with the Constitution and electoral laws.
The candidates further asked the National Assembly and other democratic institutions to strengthen safeguards against the abuse of institutional processes that could restrict political competition.
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