NDC Faults Court Verdict On Mark-led ADC, Warns Judiciary Against Stifling Nigeria’s Democracy

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised the Federal High Court judgment derecognising the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning that such judicial decisions could undermine Nigeria’s democracy and weaken opposition parties.

The party expressed concern that judgments of this nature, if not carefully handled, could create the impression that the judiciary is being used to frustrate democratic participation and stifle opposition voices.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq., the NDC said the manner in which some of the judgments, particularly those emanating from the High Courts, were being delivered suggested a possible effort to shut the ADC out of the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

According to the party, such a development would further shrink the space for multi-party democracy in Nigeria, which it said was already facing serious threats under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

While acknowledging the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, the NDC stressed the need for the courts to protect their independence, impartiality and institutional integrity.

The party cautioned that the judiciary must not allow its decisions to create circumstances capable of weakening democratic institutions or denying political parties a fair opportunity to participate in elections.

The NDC also urged the ADC to immediately appeal the judgment, while calling on the appellate court to grant the matter an accelerated hearing in view of the approaching 2027 general elections.

It maintained that prolonged uncertainty surrounding the leadership of the ADC could undermine the party’s ability to participate effectively in the electoral process and weaken democratic competition.

The statement concluded with the party reaffirming its belief in the possibility of building a new Nigeria, declaring: “A New Nigeria is Possible!”