“Courts Must Guard Their Independence, Impartiality And Integrity” — NDC Warns After Atiku’s Candidacy Is Nullified

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has urged the judiciary to safeguard its independence, impartiality and integrity following the Federal High Court judgment that nullified the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress and invalidated the party’s 2027 nominations, including the presidential candidacy of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

The NDC said that while it recognised the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, judgments affecting the participation of opposition parties in elections must be handled in a manner that does not create the impression that the courts are being used to weaken democratic competition.

The party stated its position in a statement issued late Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, in reaction to the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

“We have noted the Federal High Court judgment derecognising the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC),” the NDC said.

“While we respect the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, we are concerned that judgments of this nature, if not carefully handled, risk creating the impression that the courts are being used to scuttle democracy and weaken opposition.”

The party alleged that the manner in which some recent judgments, particularly those from the High Courts, were being delivered could create the impression of an attempt to prevent the ADC from participating effectively in the 2027 general elections.

“The way some of these judgments are being churned out, especially from the High Courts, suggests a deliberate effort to shut out the ADC from the forthcoming general elections by other means,” Director said.

The NDC further argued that such a development could narrow the space for multi-party democracy, which it claimed was already under pressure under the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government.

It consequently urged the judiciary to remain conscious of its constitutional responsibility and avoid circumstances capable of creating doubts about its neutrality.

“We therefore caution the judiciary to guard its independence, impartiality and integrity at all times,” the party said.

The NDC’s reaction followed Thursday’s judgment in which Justice Lifu declared the Mark-led ADC caretaker leadership illegal and nullified actions taken under it.

The court also invalidated the emergence of former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary and other national officers, as well as the nomination of Atiku and other candidates presented by the party for the 2027 elections.

The judgment arose from a suit filed by former ADC Deputy National Chairman, North-East, Nafiu Bala Gombe, who challenged the process through which Mark and other members of the caretaker committee assumed leadership of the party.

Gombe maintained that following the resignation of former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, he was entitled under the party’s constitution to take over the leadership.

The court upheld his claims and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission not to recognise decisions arising from the ADC’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting of July 27, 2025, including subsequent nominations for the 2027 elections.

The NDC, however, urged the ADC to challenge the ruling immediately through the appellate process.

“We urge the ADC to appeal the judgment without delay and call on the appellate court to grant an accelerated hearing in view of the fast-approaching 2027 general elections, so that uncertainty does not undermine democratic participation,” the party said.

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