The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has warned the judiciary against actions capable of undermining multi-party democracy, following a Federal High Court judgment derecognising the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
The party says the judgment, if not properly addressed, could weaken opposition parties and create uncertainty ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This is contained in statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Osa Director, in Abuja.
It expresses concern over what it described as a growing pattern of court judgments capable of restricting democratic participation.
The statement says the manner in which some of the judgments, particularly those from High Courts, were being delivered could create the impression of a deliberate attempt to prevent the ADC from participating in the forthcoming general elections.
It warns that such developments could further threaten Nigeria’s multi-party system, which it said was already facing challenges under the All Progressives Congress-led administration of President Bola Tinubu.
While acknowledging the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, the statement stresses the need for courts to protect their independence, impartiality and integrity in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
It urges the ADC to appeal the judgment without delay and called on the appellate court to grant an accelerated hearing of the matter.
It says the urgency was necessary to ensure that the uncertainty surrounding the party’s leadership did not undermine its participation in the 2027 general elections.
The NDC maintains that the judiciary must not allow itself to be used as an instrument for weakening opposition parties or restricting democratic choices available to Nigerians.
It reiterates that protecting political pluralism and ensuring a level playing field for all political parties remained essential to sustaining democracy in the country.
