ADC Governorship Candidates Condemn Nov 5 High Court Ruling, Urge International Intervention

The Forum of African Democratic Congress (ADC) Governorship Candidates has condemned the ruling delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja on November 5, 2026 which invalidated  the National Working Committee of the party headed  by Chief David Mark, describing it as a threat to multiparty democracy and Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 general election.

Presiding over the press conference held by the Forum of ADC Governorship candidates in Abuja which was attended by journalists including Team@orentactualmags.com, Hon Zakari Mohammed, who is the Kwara State ADC governorship candidate, called on the United Nations, African Union (AU), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Commonwealth, European Union, United States and the United Kingdom to closely monitor Nigeria’s political environment and intervene diplomatically to protect opposition parties.

Recall that Justice Lifu had in his ruling in question nullified the Mark-led leadership and invalidated decisions taken by the NWC.

Describing the ruling as a grave assault on democratic freedoms, the ADC governorship candidates argued that its implications extended beyond the internal affairs of the party, warning that it could undermine political participation and create uncertainty ahead of the 2027 elections.

They expressed concern that the judgment could affect thousands of party members and candidates across the country who had committed resources and time to pursuing elective offices on the ADC platform.

While acknowledging that political parties are not above the law, the forum insisted that judicial decisions must be consistent, impartial and free from discrimination.

The candidates also questioned the judgment’s relationship with an earlier ruling delivered by Justice Musa Liman on July 2, 2026, which had recognized the legitimacy of the David Mark-led leadership.

They argued that the conflicting decisions raised serious legal questions concerning judicial consistency, precedent and the authority of courts of coordinate jurisdiction.

Consequently, they urged the appellate courts to urgently examine the issues arising from Justice Lifu’s judgment and ensure that established judicial principles are upheld.

The forum also accused the President Bola Tinubu administration of creating an increasingly hostile political environment for opposition parties, warning against what it described as attempts to weaken political competition.

Nigeria must not according to the governorship candidates drift towards a one-party system submitting that democracy could not thrive without a credible and vibrant opposition.

President Tinubu and the ruling APC should according to them allow Nigerians to determine the country’s political leadership through competitive elections rather than actions capable of weakening opposition platforms.

‘Democracy is about competition, not coronation. If the president and his political associates believe that their performance deserves another mandate, they should present their records to Nigerians and allow the electorate to decide’ the forum said.

The ADC governorship candidates urged the UN Secretary-General, AU Commission, ECOWAS, Commonwealth Secretariat, European Union, United States and United Kingdom to engage Nigerian authorities over concerns about political pluralism, judicial independence and freedom of association.

They clarified that their appeal is not in anyway an invitation to foreign governments to interfere in Nigeria’s judicial process or dictate its political choices, but rather a call for the country to honour its international democratic commitments.

Citing the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the forum said Nigeria has obligations to protect political participation, opposition parties and citizens’ rights to vote and contest elections.

The guber candidates warned that the cumulative effect of political and legal controversies involving opposition parties could undermine the credibility of the 2027 elections if not properly addressed.

They stressed that credible elections require an atmosphere in which political parties can organise freely, candidates could campaign without intimidation and electoral institutions could operate independently.

Calling for urgent judicial review of the November 5 judgment, protection of ADC members and candidates, and a public reaffirmation of the Federal Government’s commitment to multiparty democracy, the ADC guber candidates also urged President Tinubu and the APC leadership to refrain from actions capable of undermining opposition parties, while calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain impartial and discharge its responsibilities strictly in accordance with the Constitution and electoral laws.

The guber candidates further asked the National Assembly and other democratic institutions to strengthen safeguards against the abuse of institutional processes that could restrict political competition.

Addressing the president directly, the forum declared that the country’s political future should not be determined by the ambitions of any individual or political party.

‘Mr President, democracy is bigger than your ambition. Nigeria is bigger than the APC. The Nigerian presidency is bigger than any individual or political family.

If you seek another mandate, face the Nigerian people. Present your achievements, defend your policies and submit yourself to the judgment of the electorate. That is the essence of democracy’ they added.

The forum however urged ADC members, candidates and supporters nationwide to remain calm and law-abiding while the party takes remedial measures.

They added that their stance on the issue is not a rejection of the judiciary or the rule of law but rather a way of protecting public confidence in democratic institutions and the constitutional rights of Nigerians.

The guber candidates added that the dispute is bigger than the political future of the ADC or any individual, describing it as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to competitive democracy.

They warned that weakening opposition parties could leave voters with limited political choices and undermine the country’s democratic development.

‘Nigeria is not available for coronation. Nigeria belongs to its people’ the forum declared, urging the international community to remain vigilant and support efforts to preserve multiparty democracy ahead of the 2027 general election-Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079, 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you