Assault On Constitutional Democracy’, Atiku Slams Court Ruling On ADC Deregistration

Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has condemned a court judgement ordering the deregistration of the ADC and four other opposition political parties, describing the ruling as a direct attack on Nigeria’s constitutional democracy and an attempt to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general election.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that the judgement undermined political pluralism and the rule of law, insisting that it was delivered despite a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal staying further proceedings in the matter.

“The judgement represents a dangerous escalation of authoritarian tactics and a blatant assault on Nigeria’s democracy,” Atiku said.

He noted that on May 22, 2026, the Court of Appeal in Abuja granted an application for further proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025 pending the hearing and determination of an appeal.

“The implication of that order is not ambiguous. A stay of proceedings means precisely what it says. It freezes every further step in the matter, including the delivery of judgment. Any action taken contrary to that order raises serious questions about respect for the hierarchy of courts and fidelity to the rule of law,” he stated.

According to the former Vice President, the judgement, “does not merely contradict a subsisting appellate order; it strikes at the very foundation of legal certainty and constitutional governance.” He warned that if court orders could be ignored whenever they became inconvenient, “then the rule of law itself is in grave danger.”

Atiku further alleged that the ruling was part of a broader pattern of political persecution aimed at weakening opposition parties before the next election cycle.

“It is becoming increasingly clear that the Tinubu administration is singularly focused on eliminating major political opponents ahead of 2027,” he said.

He accused the government of prioritising political survival over governance, arguing that it had failed to adequately address pressing national challenges such as insecurity, economic hardship, poverty, unemployment and the declining purchasing power of Nigerians.

“Rather than confronting the mounting crises facing the nation, the government appears consumed by a desperate quest to neutralise every viable opposition platform. This is not governance. It is political elimination by other means,” Atiku stated.

The former Vice President also claimed that “opposition parties are being targeted, democratic institutions are being pressured, and state power is increasingly being deployed not for national development but for political survival.”

Calling on members of the ADC and supporters of democratic governance to remain resolute, Atiku insisted that the party would continue to pursue legal and constitutional means to challenge the judgment.

“We wish to reassure all members of the ADC, our supporters, and all Nigerians who believe in democratic competition that we will not be intimidated by these desperate manoeuvres,” he said.

He added that the struggle extends beyond partisan interests, describing it as “a battle for the soul of Nigerian democracy” and “a battle between those who believe in freedom of choice and those who seek to impose political uniformity through intimidation and institutional capture.”

Atiku also urged the judiciary, civil society organisations, the media and Nigerians to remain vigilant against any attempts to undermine democratic institutions for partisan purposes.

“Nigeria’s democracy was not won cheaply. It must not be surrendered cheaply,” he declared.

He maintained that, “no amount of political desperation can override the Constitution, extinguish the opposition, or silence the democratic aspirations of millions of Nigerians who desire change.”