SNOW TV NEWS DESK
The National Legal Officer of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Oserheimen Osunbor, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of using tactics similar to those allegedly employed by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan to weaken opposition parties and undermine political competition.
Osunbor made the allegation following a Federal High Court judgment delivered on Thursday, which removed the ADC leadership and nullified the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, the ADC chieftain described the development as an attempt to weaken the party at a critical political moment and discourage Nigerians who see the ADC as an alternative to the ruling party.
He argued that the ruling party was creating an environment in which opposition politicians could be frustrated through legal and institutional processes rather than being allowed to compete freely in the political arena.
To support his argument, Osunbor pointed to the reported detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who serves as the campaign’s deputy director-general, as another indication of what he considers growing pressure on opposition figures.
He specifically compared the situation in Nigeria to Tanzania under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, accusing the APC of adopting similar strategies involving the arrest of opposition figures and the use of judicial processes to weaken political parties and disqualify candidates.
Osunbor maintained that the court ruling could have wider implications beyond the ADC’s internal leadership dispute, particularly for Nigerians seeking political alternatives amid concerns over insecurity, poverty, and economic hardship.
He also questioned what he described as a growing disregard for citizens’ right to freely choose their political leaders, arguing that important political decisions should not be determined by a handful of influential individuals using government institutions.
In making his argument, Osunbor referenced recent political developments in Brazil and the United States, noting that voters in established political strongholds had demonstrated their willingness to reject parties and leaders when dissatisfied with their performance.
He suggested that Nigeria should equally embrace a political environment where opposition parties can challenge those in power without unnecessary interference.
The controversy surrounding the Federal High Court judgment has added another layer of uncertainty to the ADC’s political future, particularly regarding its leadership structure and Atiku Abubakar’s position within the party.
However, it is important to note that Osunbor’s accusations represent the ADC’s position on the matter and do not, by themselves, establish that the APC influenced the court’s decision.
The development raises broader questions about judicial independence, internal party disputes, and the ability of opposition parties to operate freely in Nigeria’s democratic system.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
