ADC's Fight for Life: Atiku Alleges Plot as Youth Protest Deregistration Threat

Hundreds of youths belonging to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) recently staged a protest in Abuja, demanding the immediate removal of Federal High Court judge, Hon. Justice Peter Odo Lifu. This demand followed a controversial ruling by Justice Lifu that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC along with four other political parties. The protesters, led by ADC National Youth Leader Hon. Balarabe Rufai, marched from the party's national secretariat to the Federal High Court, carrying placards emblazoned with strong messages such as “Judiciary is not for sale,” “Save our democracy now,” “Don’t force Nigerians into chaos,” and “No to one-party state.” Their core message was unwavering: the ADC must remain on the ballot for the upcoming 2027 general elections, and they vowed to continue their protests until Justice Lifu's removal.

During the demonstration, Rufai addressed journalists, expressing deep concern over the state of Nigeria's judiciary and alleging that the country was being pushed towards a one-party state. He called upon former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida, Goodluck Jonathan, and former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar to intervene in the escalating situation. Rufai also urged the Attorney-General of the Federation to ensure Justice Lifu is called to order and subsequently removed, deeming the judgment against the ADC as dishonourable. Furthermore, the ADC youth leader revealed that the party had already submitted a petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC), accusing Justice Lifu of continuing proceedings in the matter despite a clear order from the Court of Appeal staying further action on the case. Rufai strongly condemned this action, describing it as "judicial banditry" and asserting that individuals who defy higher court orders have no place in the judicial system.

Adding a significant voice to the growing dissent, former Vice-President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, alleged renewed efforts by elements within the ruling establishment to undermine the opposition in preparation for the 2027 general elections. In a statement released through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku disclosed that he had received credible intelligence indicating the deployment of political and legal strategies designed to prevent the ADC from actively participating in the 2027 electoral process. He emphasized that these alleged plots were intended to weaken the opposition by targeting the ADC, which he characterized as the most credible alternative political platform in the country.

Atiku Abubakar issued a fervent call to all Nigerians, irrespective of their political affiliations, to rally in defence of the nation's democratic process and unequivocally reject what he termed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)'s attempts to dictate which opposition parties are permitted to contest the next general election. He directly challenged the APC, stating that despite their conspiracies, they would not succeed, questioning their confidence if they were genuinely popular yet terrified of the ADC. While acknowledging his hope that these alleged plans would not materialize, Atiku expressed concern that recent political developments made it difficult to disregard the warning signs. He accused institutions, which are constitutionally mandated to remain neutral, of increasingly being drawn into partisan contests, with frivolous litigation, administrative actions, and political pressure being utilized to systematically weaken the opposition.

The former vice-president further criticized the ruling party, alleging that its obsession with silencing the opposition had overshadowed governance, despite the profound economic and security challenges facing Nigeria. He pointed out that while Nigerians grappled with hunger, inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and diminishing purchasing power, those in public office appeared to prioritize political survival over national well-being. Atiku argued that the burgeoning popularity of the ADC should be met with healthy political competition, rather than through intimidation or institutional interference. He asserted that democracies are won at the ballot box through superior ideas, not in clandestine back rooms, manipulated court processes, or through the abuse of state institutions.

Atiku Abubakar issued a stern warning that any action taken to prevent the ADC from participating in the electoral process would constitute a grave threat to Nigeria's constitutional democracy. He reiterated that no administration possesses the constitutional authority to dictate which political party Nigerians are allowed to vote for, emphasizing that sovereignty ultimately resides with the people. The ballot, he declared, is sacred, and any attempt to tamper with it amounts to an attack on the Republic itself. He concluded by urging the judiciary to uphold its constitutional mandate and resist political pressure, while also calling on INEC, security agencies, civil society organizations, the diplomatic community, and other key stakeholders to maintain unwavering vigilance in safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria's electoral process. He put Nigerians on notice, reminding them that democracy thrives only when citizens refuse to be indifferent, and that eternal vigilance remains the price of liberty.