ADC governorship candidates condemn Lifu’s judgment, seek international intervention

The Forum of African Democratic Congress (ADC) Gubernatorial Candidates has condemned the November 5 judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, which nullified the leadership of the party under Senator David Mark.

The forum described the judgment as a threat to multiparty democracy and Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, calling on the international community to closely monitor developments surrounding opposition parties in the country.

The candidates, who made their position known at a press conference on Thursday urged the United Nations, African Union, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Commonwealth, European Union, United States and United Kingdom governments, among other international institutions, to engage the Nigerian government over what they described as growing threats to opposition politics.

They argued that the judgment had implications beyond the internal affairs of the ADC, warning that it could create uncertainty for thousands of party members and candidates preparing to contest elective positions under the party’s platform.

According to the forum, the ruling raised fundamental questions about judicial consistency, political participation, institutional independence and the future of multiparty democracy in Nigeria.

The candidates expressed particular concern over the relationship between the latest judgment and 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 questioned how a court of coordinate jurisdiction could arrive at a decision with far-reaching consequences in the face of an earlier judgment on the same leadership dispute.

The forum, however, called on the appellate courts to urgently examine the legal issues arising from the judgment and ensure that judicial hierarchy, established precedents and the rule of law were upheld.

“We are not asking for immunity from the law. No political party should be above the law. However, the law must be applied consistently, impartially and without discrimination,” the candidates said.

They also accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of presiding over an increasingly hostile political environment for opposition parties.

The forum warned against what it described as attempts, whether real or perceived, to weaken opposition platforms and create an electoral environment in which the ruling party would emerge as the only viable political option.

It maintained that democracy was about political competition rather than coronation, insisting that President Tinubu should seek another mandate based on his administration’s performance rather than any alleged efforts to weaken opposition parties.

“Let us make one thing abundantly clear: Nigeria is not a private estate belonging to President Tinubu, the APC or any political establishment.

“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 statement said.

The candidates further warned that a democracy without a credible opposition would exist only in name, urging the President to caution his political associates against actions capable of undermining the credibility of the 2027 elections.

On the international dimension, the forum called on the UN Secretary-General, African Union Commission, ECOWAS, Commonwealth Secretariat, European Union, United States, United Kingdom and international human rights and election-monitoring organisations to closely monitor Nigeria’s political environment.

It specifically urged the international institutions to engage President Tinubu and relevant Nigerian authorities on the need to guarantee political pluralism, judicial independence, freedom of association and equal opportunities for all political parties.

The candidates said their appeal was not an invitation to foreign governments to interfere in Nigeria’s judicial process but a call for the country to uphold its international democratic commitments.

They cited the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, arguing that the instruments guaranteed political participation, multiparty democracy and the right of citizens to vote and be elected.

The forum expressed concern that the cumulative effect of political and legal controversies involving opposition parties could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections if not addressed.

It insisted that credible elections required an atmosphere in which political parties could organise, candidates campaign freely, citizens exercise their rights of association and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) discharge its responsibilities without intimidation or political interference.

Among its demands, the candidates called for an urgent judicial review of Justice Lifu’s judgment, protection of ADC members and candidates, and a public reaffirmation of the commitment of the President and APC leadership to multiparty democracy.

They also urged INEC to remain impartial and guided strictly by the Constitution and applicable electoral laws, while calling on the National Assembly and other democratic institutions to strengthen safeguards against the abuse of institutional processes.

Addressing the President directly, the forum said Nigeria’s democracy and presidency were bigger than any individual or political ambition.

“Mr President, democracy is bigger than your ambition. Nigeria is bigger than the APC. The Nigerian presidency is bigger than any individual or political family.

“If you seek another mandate, face the Nigerian people. Present your achievements, defend your policies and submit yourself to the judgment of the electorate. That is the essence of democracy,” it said.

The candidates, however, called on ADC members and supporters nationwide to remain calm and law-abiding while the party pursued available legal remedies.

They stressed that their opposition to the judgment did not amount to a rejection of the judiciary or the rule of law, but was informed by the need to protect public confidence in the judicial system and the constitutional rights of Nigerians.

The forum warned that Nigeria must not drift towards a political arrangement in which electoral competition was progressively restricted and the electorate left with limited choices.

It declared: “Democracy is not a coronation. Elections are not an appointment. Political power is not an inheritance.

“The Nigerian people, and not any president, political party or judicial controversy, must determine who governs them.”