On Monday, a Nigerian High Court judge directed the National Elections Commission to remove the certifications of five opposition parties, notably including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which has been a key opponent to President Bola Tinubu.
This decision could result in a considerable decrease in voter turnout during the upcoming January elections.
In response, the ADC quickly dismissed the ruling, with Judge Peter Riff labeling the move as “a direct invitation to anarchy.”
“We genuinely believe this isn’t legal. It’s all political. The court is merely a tool for advancing a political agenda. This isn’t just about the ADC; it reflects on the judiciary’s integrity,” ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi commented, stating.
He added, “This seems like a desperate reaction to our announcement regarding Rotimi Amaechiemon as our vice presidential candidate, as if they’re trying to deflate that momentum.”
Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, a former state governor and transport minister, joined presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar as the ADC’s vice presidential pick on the same day.
Abubakar, who was vice president from 1999 to 2007 and has sought multiple offices since, announced that the upcoming 2027 presidential election would be his final attempt. Amaechi finished second in the party’s primary.
The ADC described the Abubakar-Amaechi partnership as a “ticket of unity and redemption,” claiming it melds the strengths of two well-established politicians with influence across different regions of Nigeria, thus enhancing their electoral prospects.
“Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi, when combined, represent a truly national ticket capable of bridging regions and political traditions,” party spokesperson Abdullahi remarked when announcing Amaechi’s selection.
Judge Riff’s directive followed allegations that the parties failed to meet required certification standards. Under Nigerian law, to maintain certification, a political party needs either an elected position at any government level or must secure at least 25 percent of the vote in a state during a presidential election.
Mr. Abubakar’s media aide, Paul Ibe, criticized the ruling as “judicial brutality,” asserting that President Bola Tinubu is attempting to stifle opposition ahead of the elections.
“The decertification of the ADC, among others, could very well symbolize Tinubu’s desperate efforts to weaken the opposition and lead towards a one-party state,” he charged.
ADC National Chairman David Mark condemned the ruling as “an attack on the core of Nigeria’s democracy,” insisting, “This decision cannot hold up. It doesn’t comply with legal standards or due process.”
Both Ibe and Mark assured supporters that the ADC will indeed appear on the ballot in January. “I assure all candidates, members, and supporters that this temporary setback will be resolved through the judicial system,” said Mark.
INEC itself opposed the suit filed in Riff’s court, dismissing the plaintiffs as “interferers” and asserting that no judgment should be made until unresolved appeals are addressed.
Judge Riff contended that the relevant constitutional article’s wording is “clear, direct, and should be interpreted literally.”
He stated, “We must halt the rise of political parties that lack a genuine commitment to uphold democratic values. The courts must resist any abuse aimed at manipulating uninformed voters and corrupting the political landscape.”
Aisha Yesufu, a notable Nigerian political activist who participated in the #BringBackOurGirls movement aimed at rescuing schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram in 2014, also criticized the ruling, saying it was “an attack on democracy” and “a blatant attempt to suppress opposition.”
“Democracy isn’t a favor granted by those in power; it’s a right we need to guard daily. I stand alongside all Nigerians who support choice, idea competition, and a future where no one can easily unregister their rivals,” she expressed.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja intervened on Tuesday, halting Judge Riff’s order while awaiting the resolution of an appeal filed by INEC and the Accord Party, one of the affected political groups.
Abubakar welcomed the intervention, while cautioning, “The judiciary itself isn’t on trial,” before pausing.
“Any effort to undermine Nigeria’s hard-earned democracy through judicial manipulation poses a severe threat to our republic. If further erosion of our democracy occurs, history will hold accountable those tasked with upholding justice,” the ADC presidential candidate stated.
