Nigeria's African Democratic Congress slammed a Lokoja court decision on Saturday, calling it a danger to democracy.
The ruling set aside an earlier judgment that had recognized the Nigeria Democratic Congress as a legitimate political party. Justice Isah Dashen reversed the order on Friday, citing concerns about the Peace Movement Party's excluded interests.
Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC's National Publicity Secretary, issued a statement from Abuja denouncing the move. He warned that weakening opposition through courts threatens the nation's democratic foundations.
"The Lokoja Federal High Court's decision raises serious questions about Nigeria's democracy," Abdullahi stated.
Opposition parties, he argued, have suffered repeated self-inflicted crises through legal battles and government interference designed to diminish their strength. Such patterns damage electoral competition and consolidate power in incumbent hands.
He said the consequences are clear and troubling. "They weaken the opposition, narrow democratic space and strengthen those already holding political power," according to the spokesman.
Beyond party politics, Abdullahi noted that prolonged court battles put Nigerians' right to choose alternatives at risk. Constitutional democracy depends on fair rules and neutral institutions.
"Democracy is sustained by fair competition, institutional neutrality and equal treatment under the law. This has not been the case," he added.
With general elections just seven months away, every action affecting electoral integrity demands scrutiny from citizens and democratic bodies. Courts must never appear to pick political winners.
"The judiciary remains one of democracy's last lines of defence and must never appear to settle political contests," Abdullahi stated.
Justice requires both real fairness and the appearance of fairness. He cautioned against perceptions that courts are taking sides in political disputes.
Abdullahi appealed to opposition movements, civil society groups, labour unions, lawyers, journalists, and ordinary Nigerians to unite around constitutional principles. Democratic space must be protected now before it vanishes entirely.
"Yesterday's target was the NDC. Tomorrow, it could be anyone offering Nigerians an alternative," he said.
Citizens should stay alert before the next elections. Attempts to intimidate or silence opposition voices must be resisted by all Nigerians.
According to Abdullahi, Nigeria's constitution guarantees freedom of association and political participation as enduring rights. Citizens deserve the freedom to elect leaders of their choosing.
ADC remains committed to defending constitutional democracy for all Nigerians. The party will continue standing with citizens against efforts to undermine democratic principles.
