SNOW TV NEWS DESK
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of allegedly using the judiciary to frustrate opposition parties and weaken democratic competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The opposition party issued the warning following a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja that reportedly invalidated the leadership structure of its Senator David Mark-led executive and affected the process that produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate.
In a strongly worded statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC questioned the timing of the judgment, which came barely 24 hours after the party held a major presidential campaign rally in Sokoto.
Abdullahi alleged that the ruling had been prepared earlier but was deliberately brought forward following the party’s recent political activities.
“We have reasons to believe that the judgment had long been written on this case. The Sokoto rally was simply a trigger that stampeded its delivery,” he claimed.
The ADC maintained that the legal dispute should not be viewed simply as a battle involving prominent politicians such as Atiku and David Mark, arguing that its wider implications could affect the political rights of thousands of Nigerians seeking elective positions in 2027.
The party also challenged the latest judgment by referencing an earlier ruling delivered on July 2, 2026, by Justice Musa Liman of the same Federal High Court in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025.
According to the ADC, the earlier judgment recognized the David Mark-led National Working Committee and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to acknowledge its leadership.
The party argued that a court of equal jurisdiction cannot overturn, review, or invalidate an existing judgment delivered by another court of coordinate jurisdiction.
It consequently rejected the consequential orders arising from the latest ruling while noting that it was awaiting the certified true copy of the judgment to establish its exact scope and implications.
The ADC further accused the APC of attempting to use legal disputes to undermine opposition parties whenever they gain political momentum.
In its message to the ruling party, the opposition warned that political ambitions should not be allowed to threaten national peace and stability.
“We warn the APC: do not play with fires you cannot control. The peace and stability of Nigeria are bigger than the ambition of any president or political party,” Abdullahi stated.
The party also challenged President Bola Tinubu and the APC to demonstrate confidence in their popularity by allowing a free and competitive electoral process rather than relying on political or legal maneuvers.
It further urged the judiciary to protect its independence and resist any attempt to use the courts to weaken democratic institutions.
Despite its strong objections, the ADC appealed to its members and supporters nationwide to remain calm, avoid violence, and pursue all available legal options in challenging the judgment.
The unfolding dispute adds another layer of uncertainty to Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, with the ADC insisting that the controversy goes beyond its leadership and concerns the broader right of Nigerians to participate in a democratic process.
“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
