ADC Judgment: Coalition warns of threat to opposition ahead of 2027 elections

ADC Judgment: Coalition warns of threat to opposition ahead of 2027 elections

The Coalition for Democracy has condemned the Federal High Court judgment invalidating the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, describing it as a threat to political pluralism and Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The coalition warned that the judgment could set a dangerous precedent for other opposition parties, alleging that it was part of a broader attempt to weaken political opposition and restrict democratic competition.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by Salihu Moh. Lukman on behalf of the coalition parties, the group said the judgment had reinforced its concerns over what it described as the shrinking democratic space in the country.

It said the development was particularly troubling following earlier concerns about alleged attacks on opposition supporters, obstruction of political activities and the use of state institutions against political opponents.

The coalition argued that the court decision, which also invalidated actions taken by the Mark-led leadership, including its role in the party’s presidential candidacy, raised questions about the ability of opposition parties to participate freely in the 2027 elections.

“What is happening to the ADC today can happen to every opposition party tomorrow,” the statement said.

The group said the development should concern all Nigerians, irrespective of their political affiliations, warning that weakening one opposition party could have wider implications for the country’s multiparty democracy.

It, however, acknowledged the independence of the judiciary and the right of aggrieved parties to seek legal redress, insisting that judicial institutions must not become instruments for extinguishing political competition.

“While the Coalition respects the independence of the judiciary and the right of aggrieved parties to seek legal redress, the courts must never become instruments through which political competition is extinguished,” it said.

The coalition accused the government of creating an atmosphere in which opposition parties were allegedly facing pressure through political violence, institutional actions and judicial pronouncements.

It argued that a government unable to tolerate opposition had undermined its claim to democratic legitimacy.

“When a government becomes more afraid of the opposition than it is accountable to the people, democracy itself is in danger,” the statement added.

The coalition warned that the continued restriction of political space could have serious consequences for national stability, arguing that peaceful democratic competition depended on citizens having access to meaningful political alternatives.

It maintained that elections should remain the primary means of resolving political competition, warning against attempts to achieve through institutional processes what political parties could not secure through the votes of Nigerians.

“The ballot must remain the battlefield of democracy. No political party should be allowed to achieve through institutional manipulation what it fears it cannot achieve through the votes of Nigerians,” it said.

The group also declared solidarity with the ADC over its decision to challenge the judgment through the appropriate judicial processes.

It called on opposition parties, civil society organisations, the Nigerian Bar Association, organised labour, the media and Nigerians to unite in what it described as peaceful and lawful resistance against attempts to undermine political pluralism.

The coalition said it would not remain silent if the country was reduced to a political system without meaningful opposition or genuine electoral choices.

“An attack on one is an attack on all. We will resist it together,” the statement said.

The Coalition for Democracy emerged from the G100 Opposition Summit held in Abuja on August 31, 2026.

According to the statement, the platform comprises nine political parties: the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), National Rescue Movement (NRM), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Youth Progressives Party (YPP).

The coalition said it was established to implement the resolutions of the summit and coordinate opposition parties in defending constitutional democracy, protecting political pluralism and promoting free, fair, credible and competitive elections.

It added that the platform would work to safeguard democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders.