By Our Reporter
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has warned the judiciary against allowing itself to be used to undermine democracy following a Federal High Court judgment derecognising the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The party expressed concern that the judgment, alongside other recent court decisions, could weaken opposition parties and threaten the survival of multi-party democracy in Nigeria.
In a press statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq., the NDC said it respected the judiciary as the last hope of the common man but cautioned that judgments of such nature could create the impression that the courts were being used to frustrate democratic participation.
The party alleged that the manner in which some of the judgments, particularly those emanating from High Courts, were being delivered suggested a deliberate attempt to prevent the ADC from participating in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
According to the NDC, such a development would further narrow the space for multi-party democracy, which it claimed was already facing serious threats under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The party urged the judiciary to protect its independence, impartiality and integrity, stressing that the courts must not become instruments for weakening opposition parties or undermining democratic institutions.
“We therefore caution the judiciary to guard its independence, impartiality, and integrity at all times,” the statement said.
The NDC also urged the ADC to immediately appeal the judgment, while calling on the appellate court to grant the matter an accelerated hearing.
It said the urgency was necessary because of the approaching 2027 general elections, warning that prolonged uncertainty over the party’s leadership could undermine the democratic rights of its members and supporters.
The party maintained that all stakeholders must protect the country’s democratic space and ensure that political parties are allowed to participate freely in the electoral process.