As political activities gather momentum ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections, concerns over the health of the nation’s democracy have once again come to the fore, following a Federal High Court ruling that nullified an earlier judgment recognising the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has described the development as a troubling signal for democratic governance, warning that repeated legal and administrative actions against opposition platforms could undermine political competition and voters’ freedom of choice.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, expressed concern over Friday’s decision by the Federal High Court in Lokoja to set aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party.
Justice Isah Dashen, who presided over the matter, ruled that the earlier judgment affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which was not joined in the suit despite claiming ownership of the logo adopted by the NDC.
Reacting to the ruling, Abdullahi argued that the implications extended beyond the fortunes of a single political party, touching on broader questions about democratic inclusion and the independence of key institutions.
“The Lokoja Federal High Court’s decision raises serious questions about the state of Nigeria’s democracy,” he said.
According to him, opposition parties have increasingly found themselves entangled in legal disputes and administrative challenges that often create instability within their ranks and weaken their ability to compete effectively.
He maintained that the cumulative impact of such developments has been the narrowing of democratic space and the strengthening of those already in positions of political authority.
“Democracy is sustained by fair competition, institutional neutrality and equal treatment under the law. This has not been the case,” Abdullahi stated.
The ADC spokesman warned that prolonged uncertainty surrounding political party registration and participation could erode citizens’ constitutional rights to associate freely and choose among credible political alternatives.
With less than a year to the next round of elections, he stressed that actions capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process should attract close scrutiny from citizens and democratic institutions alike.
Abdullahi also underscored the critical role of the judiciary in safeguarding democracy, cautioning against situations where court decisions could be perceived as influencing political outcomes.
“The judiciary remains one of democracy’s last lines of defence and must never appear to settle political contests,” he said, adding that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.
Calling for collective action, he urged opposition parties, civil society organisations, labour groups, legal practitioners, media professionals and the wider public to remain vigilant in defending democratic values and constitutional freedoms.
“Yesterday’s target was the NDC. Tomorrow, it could be anyone offering Nigerians an alternative. We must defend democratic space before it disappears,” he warned.
Reaffirming the ADC’s commitment to constitutional democracy, Abdullahi said the party would continue to support efforts aimed at protecting political participation, freedom of association, and the right of Nigerians to freely elect their leaders.
The controversy surrounding the NDC’s recognition is expected to fuel further debate over electoral fairness and the role of institutions as the country moves closer to another crucial electoral cycle.
