The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has cautioned the judiciary against decisions that could restrict opposition parties and weaken Nigeria’s multiparty political system ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Titiansloaded reports that the party’s concerns followed a Federal High Court judgment that invalidated the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including decisions taken by the committee.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the NDC said it respected the judiciary but warned that controversial rulings could damage public confidence in the courts.
The party argued that the manner in which some High Court decisions were being delivered had raised questions about the ADC’s ability to participate in the next general elections.
It said the rulings could give the impression that legal processes were being used to prevent the party from contesting, further limiting political competition in the country.
The NDC also expressed concern that Nigeria’s multiparty democracy was facing pressure under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
While urging the judiciary to uphold its independence and impartiality, the party advised the ADC to move quickly to challenge the judgment before the appellate court.
It also called on the Court of Appeal to fast-track proceedings, arguing that the proximity of the 2027 elections made an early resolution necessary to avoid uncertainty over the party’s participation.
The controversy stems from a judgment delivered on November 5, 2026, by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which nullified the Mark-led National Working Committee of the ADC.
The judge ruled that the process through which Mark and his team assumed control after the resignation of former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu did not comply with the ADC constitution, the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution.
The case was instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the party for the North-East, who argued that he was constitutionally entitled to take over the leadership following Nwosu’s resignation.
Apart from declaring the Mark-led leadership invalid, the court voided its decisions, including the presidential primary that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the ADC candidate for 2027.
The court also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise the affected decisions.
Both the ADC and Atiku have rejected the judgment and announced plans to challenge it at the Court of Appeal.
