Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has fiercely condemned the Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of the ADC and four other political parties, describing it as a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy and a calculated attempt to cripple opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Monday and made available to The News Chronicle by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the ruling should alarm all Nigerians who believe in constitutional democracy, political plurality and the rule of law.
The former vice president argued that the judgment was particularly troubling because it was delivered despite a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, which had stayed further proceedings in the matter pending the determination of an appeal.
According to him, the appellate court’s order of May 22, 2026, effectively halted all actions in the case, including the delivery of judgment.
“The judgment represents a dangerous escalation of authoritarian tactics and a blatant assault on Nigeria’s democracy,” Atiku said.
He maintained that proceeding with the ruling despite the stay order raises serious concerns about adherence to judicial hierarchy and respect for the rule of law.
“Any action taken contrary to that order strikes at the very foundation of legal certainty and constitutional governance. If court orders can be treated as optional whenever they become inconvenient to those in power, then the rule of law itself is in grave danger,” he stated.
Atiku further alleged that the judgment fits into what he described as an emerging pattern of political persecution and institutional manipulation aimed at weakening opposition parties before the next election cycle.
He accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of prioritising political survival over governance.
“Rather than confronting the mounting crises facing the nation, including insecurity, economic hardship, rising poverty, unemployment and declining purchasing power, the government appears consumed by a desperate quest to neutralise every viable opposition platform,” he said.
“This is not governance. It is political elimination by other means.”
The former vice president also alleged that democratic institutions were increasingly coming under pressure, warning that state power was being deployed for partisan interests rather than national development.
Despite the setback, Atiku urged ADC members and supporters not to be discouraged, insisting that the party would explore all lawful and constitutional avenues to challenge the ruling and defend Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
“The battle before us transcends political parties. It is a battle for the soul of Nigerian democracy,” he said.
He called on the judiciary, civil society organisations, the media and Nigerians to remain vigilant against attempts to undermine democratic institutions.
“Nigeria’s democracy was not won cheaply. It must not be surrendered cheaply,” Atiku declared, adding that no amount of political desperation could override the Constitution, silence opposition voices or extinguish the democratic aspirations of Nigerians seeking change.
