Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the court ruling directing the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties, describing the decision as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the ADC for the 2027 election, said the judgment should concern all Nigerians who believe in constitutional governance, political pluralism and the rule of law.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former Vice President alleged that the ruling was part of a broader effort to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He argued that the judgment was particularly troubling because it was delivered despite what he described as a valid and subsisting order of the Court of Appeal staying proceedings in the matter.
According to Atiku, the Court of Appeal in Abuja had on May 22, 2026, granted an application staying further proceedings in the suit pending the hearing and determination of an appeal before it.
He maintained that once a higher court issues a stay of proceedings, no further action should be taken in the case, including the delivery of judgment.
Atiku said any action taken in disregard of such an order raises serious concerns about respect for judicial processes and the hierarchy of courts.
He stated, “The judgment represents a dangerous escalation of authoritarian tactics and a blatant assault on Nigeria’s democracy.
“What makes the situation even more disturbing is that this judgment was purportedly delivered despite a clear and subsisting order of the Court of Appeal.”
The former Vice President warned that ignoring court orders could undermine public confidence in the nation’s justice system and weaken democratic institutions.
According to him, the issue goes beyond the fate of a single political party and touches on the future of Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
Atiku accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of focusing on weakening opposition parties rather than addressing pressing national challenges.
He cited insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, poverty and declining purchasing power among Nigerians as issues requiring urgent government attention.
According to him, state institutions should not be used to target political opponents.
“This is not governance. It is political elimination by other means,” he said.
Atiku urged ADC members, supporters and other Nigerians committed to democratic values not to be discouraged by the ruling.
He assured that the party would pursue all available constitutional and legal avenues to challenge the judgment and defend democratic principles.
“The battle before us transcends political parties. It is a battle for the soul of Nigerian democracy,” he stated.
The former Vice President also called on the judiciary, civil society organisations, the media and patriotic Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist any attempt to use public institutions for partisan purposes.
He stressed that Nigeria’s democracy was built through sacrifice and should not be undermined by political interests.
Atiku added that no amount of political pressure would override the Constitution, silence opposition voices or suppress the desire of Nigerians for democratic participation and political change.
