Atiku Abubakar

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has pledged to reopen Nigeria’s land borders with neighbouring countries if elected president in 2027.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the promise in a video shared online by ADC chieftain Dele Momodu on Friday.

He argued that restrictions at the country’s land borders had harmed cross-border commerce and contributed to job losses, particularly among young Nigerians.

Atiku pointed out that several northern states share borders with neighbouring countries, where many Nigerians depend on cross-border trade for their livelihoods.

“The Northern states is bordering Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Benin Republic.

“And you close all those borders. All our young men who are doing trading between these countries, they carry goods across, they do this and that, all what we call transborder trade is a legitimate business,” Atiku said.

He said the border restrictions had pushed some young entrepreneurs out of business after their investments collapsed.

“All the upcoming young men and women who used to have a capital of 10 million, 20 million, and they were employing two, three other people, and then all of them went bankrupt and unemployed. How can there be security?” he asked.

“So I said I am going to reopen the borders and I will,” he added.

Atiku Plans Southern Port Expansion

The former vice-president also disclosed plans to improve port infrastructure in the southern part of the country if he wins the presidency.

He said he had previously held discussions with shipping companies and other stakeholders in Europe about expanding ports in the South and South-East.

“During the last campaign, I went across to Europe to discuss with shippers and ship development companies how we can together develop South and South-Eastern ports so that there is balance as far as importation of goods and transportation of goods are concerned,” he said.

According to Atiku, stronger port facilities in the southern region would make it easier and cheaper to move imported goods to northern parts of the country.

He used the transportation of containers from Lagos to Yola, Adamawa State, as an example, noting that he has a factory in the city.

“So when, if I drop my container in Calabar or in Uyo or in Port Harcourt, it will just take me 24 hours to take the container to Yola.

“But right now, it takes me not less than two months to take my container from Lagos because you have to cross over from South-West, you go to North-East, and then there is even no road,” Atiku said.

He said the proposal reflected concerns over the movement of goods and the need for balanced development of the country’s ports.

Background To Border Closures

Nigeria’s land borders were closed in August 2019 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Federal Government at the time said the measure was aimed at tackling large-scale smuggling of rice, poultry products, petroleum products and other commodities. The government also cited concerns over the movement of weapons and drugs and sought to promote domestic agricultural production.

In December 2020, Buhari directed the reopening of four border posts: Seme in Lagos State, Illela in Sokoto State, Maigatari in Jigawa State and Mfun in Cross River State.

The administration of President Bola Tinubu later reopened the Tsamiya border with the Benin Republic in Kebbi State and the Kamba corridor linking Nigeria with Niger Republic in February 2026.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has asked the Federal Government to account for more than N600 billion reportedly disbursed under its cash transfer programme for vulnerable Nigerians.

Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), raised the concerns in a statement issued by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, on Thursday.

He also questioned the difference between the number of households the government currently says have benefited from the programme and an earlier figure announced by the Presidency.

On July 16, President Bola Tinubu said the expanded cash transfer programme had reached 15 million vulnerable households and lifted an estimated 7.5 million Nigerians out of poverty.

However, Bernard Doro, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, said on Wednesday that more than N600 billion had been disbursed to slightly over 10 million households since Tinubu became president.

Doro made the disclosure during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he said the beneficiaries could amount to about 40 million people based on an average household size of four.

“We have done over N600 billion in cash transfers to be able to support vulnerable Nigerians within three years,” Doro said.

Atiku Questions Five-Million Household Difference

Atiku said the figures from the government did not correspond and called for clarification on the actual number of beneficiaries.

“On 16 July 2026, the Presidency officially declared that expanded cash transfers had reached 15 million vulnerable households,” the statement reads.

“It repeated essentially the same figure on 2 August 2026. Yet on 26 August 2026, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs suddenly told Nigerians that only ‘slightly over 10 million households’ had been reached.

“So where did five million households go? These are not opposition figures. They are Tinubu’s figures contradicting Tinubu’s figures.”

The former vice-president also challenged the government’s expenditure figures based on the amount each qualifying household was expected to receive.

According to him, the government had indicated that eligible households would receive N25,000 monthly for three months, which amounted to N75,000 per household.

“If 10 million households received the full payment, that would be about N750 billion. If 15 million households did, it would exceed N1.1 trillion. Yet government says it spent just over N600 billion,” he said.

Atiku demanded information on the number of beneficiaries who received one, two or all three payments. He also sought details of failed and reversed transactions.

“A name on a social register is not a bank alert. Counting people in a database is not the same thing as proving money reached them,” Atiku said.

Atiku Demands Disbursement Records

The ADC presidential candidate urged the Federal Government to publish verifiable records showing how the funds were distributed.

“If N600 billion truly moved, then government must show the trail: unique verified households, payment tranches, state-by-state distribution, failed transactions, reversals and an independent audit,” he said.

Atiku also criticised the government’s wider poverty-reduction strategy. He argued that economic policies should tackle the factors that increase the cost of living rather than rely mainly on cash support after households become vulnerable.

He cited his proposed intervention in the domestic petroleum value chain as an approach aimed at reducing fuel and transportation costs.

“When petrol becomes cheaper, the bus driver spends less, the farmer moves produce more cheaply, the trader pays less for haulage, businesses face lower logistics costs and the savings travel through the economy to the family kitchen,” he said.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The presidency has accused former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of policy confusion and political gamesmanship following what it described as three contradictory statements on petrol subsidy within a single week.

In a strongly worded statement, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, questioned whether the 2023 presidential candidate is proposing a serious economic policy or merely exploiting the temporary economic discomfort facing Nigerians.

The controversy began when Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, announced that the former vice-president would restore petrol subsidy if elected president and later phase it out, describing it as a temporary intervention to give Nigerians and businesses room to recover.

However, another senior aide, Phrank Shaibu, quickly issued a clarification, describing Ibe’s statement as “unauthorised and misleading.” Shaibu insisted that Atiku would not set a predetermined date for ending the subsidy, but would maintain it until domestic refining expands and market conditions stabilise.

Hours later, Atiku himself intervened, effectively overruling the clarification and insisting his position “has not changed.” He reiterated that he would restore what he called a “targeted subsidy” if elected president, stating: “I will restore targeted subsidy and put purchasing power back in the hands of Nigerians.”

Presidency Questions Economic Understanding

Onanuga challenged the former vice-president’s understanding of petroleum market dynamics, pointing out that petrol prices are influenced by multiple factors including international crude oil prices, exchange rates, refining costs, transportation, and distribution.

“Petrol does not become cheap simply because government orders a subsidy or because competition is expected to emerge,” Onanuga stated.

The presidency also took issue with Atiku’s argument linking fuel prices to food inflation, noting that Nigerians experienced rising food prices even during years when petrol subsidy was in place.

“Agricultural productivity, insecurity, exchange rates, logistics, storage, flooding, input costs, money supply and supply constraints also matter,” the  statement read.

Technical Questions on Subsidy Proposal

The presidency raised specific technical questions about Atiku’s proposal, asking whether he is aware that refined petrol constitutes only 45 per cent of the by-products of a refined barrel of crude oil.

Other products include aviation fuel, kerosene, and diesel – the latter deregulated during the Obasanjo-Atiku administration in 2004. The statement questioned whether Atiku would subsidise all these by-products as well.

Onanuga urged Atiku to explain precisely what he means by “targeted subsidy,” including its cost, beneficiaries, funding mechanism, and the objective economic conditions that would determine its eventual termination.

“The economy is too serious for policy somersaults, incoherence, destructive populism and election gimmicks,” the statement concluded.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has pledged to restore the petrol subsidy if elected president in the 2027 general election.

Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the declaration during an interview on Wednesday.

He said he did not oppose the removal of the subsidy but questioned how the funds saved from the policy had been used by the government.

“I did not oppose the removal of the oil subsidy, but where is the money? Where did it go? It was intended to reduce poverty and help children attend school. Where is the money now? It seems they are just stealing it,” Atiku said in Hausa.

He added, “If elected, I will bring back the oil subsidy, and whoever stole the money must refund it.”

According to Atiku, the removal of the subsidy would have been acceptable if the government had invested the resulting savings in projects that would improve the lives of Nigerians.

“The government successfully removed the subsidy, but we do not know where the money went. If they had used the money for development, to solve security problems, for education, and to create opportunities for the youth, it would be different. If elected, I can remove the subsidy and use the money to do all these properly.”

President Bola Tinubu announced the end of the petrol subsidy in his inaugural address on May 29, 2023.

The policy was followed by a sharp rise in the cost of living as petrol prices increased and the cost of goods and services rose across the country.

However, some state governors have said their monthly allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) increased considerably after the subsidy was removed.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said on Wednesday that the removal of the subsidy had generated N15.8 trillion in additional resources for the federation between June 2023 and December 2025.

Oyedele attributed the increase partly to higher revenue collections, particularly the naira value of transactions denominated in US dollars after the exchange-rate reforms.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns over an unauthorised payment made into one of his private bank accounts by an unidentified person.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said the transaction was described as a “Contribution Electioneering Campaign” but was neither requested nor approved by him or his campaign organisation.

His Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.

The statement described the circumstances surrounding the transaction as “deeply troubling” and questioned how an unknown person obtained details of an account whose information is not publicly available.

“The transfer originated from a person totally unknown to His Excellency,” the statement reads.

“Neither His Excellency nor his campaign solicited, authorised or has any knowledge of the individual or entity behind the unauthorised payment.”

Atiku questioned the source of the information used to make the payment, particularly because the affected account is a private one.

“The account is a strictly private one whose details are not in the public domain. This raises a fundamental question: How did unknown persons obtain the confidential banking details of a private citizen?” he asked.

‘NO NIGERIAN’S FINANCIAL PRIVACY IS SAFE’

The former vice-president said the incident raised concerns that could extend beyond his personal circumstances.

He argued that unauthorised access to the banking information of a former vice-president and presidential candidate could indicate a broader threat to the financial privacy of Nigerians.

“If the private banking information of a former Vice President and a leading presidential candidate can be accessed and deployed for reasons yet unknown, then no Nigerian’s financial privacy is safe,” he said.

Atiku also warned about the potential consequences if the information had been obtained through people with privileged access to banking records.

“If established, this would amount to a grave abuse of power capable of exposing the account holder to kidnappers, terrorists, bandits, fraudsters and other criminal elements,” the statement added.

The ADC presidential candidate linked the development to what he described as a series of “suspicious activities” ahead of the 2027 general election.

Despite the incident, Atiku said he would remain focused on his political objectives and would not allow the development to distract him.

“As political activities gather momentum, Nigerians should not be distracted by these tired tactics that smack of character assassination,” he added.

“Such desperate antics have failed before and will fail again. The Waziri Adamawa remains focused on offering Nigerians credible leadership and practical solutions to the nation’s challenges.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Tinubu administration’s defence of its economic policies, insisting that government statements cannot hide the hardship many Nigerians continue to face.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the remarks in a statement issued on Monday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu. The statement followed recent exchanges between the Presidency and the former vice president over the government’s economic reforms, borrowing, tax policies and the impact of the removal of petrol subsidy.

The Presidency, through Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, had defended the administration’s policies. Onanuga argued that one of the major gains of fuel subsidy removal was the significant increase in allocations to states and local governments through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

Responding, Atiku accused the administration of focusing on what he described as public relations and “statistical manipulation” instead of addressing the country’s economic challenges.

He questioned the government’s positive assessment of the economy.

“If the economy is doing so well, why are Nigerians getting poorer?” he asked.

According to him, the government’s emphasis on favourable economic indicators does not reflect the realities facing ordinary citizens.

“The State House celebrates macroeconomic indicators while ordinary Nigerians struggle with microeconomic realities,” he said.

“It speaks glowingly about GDP growth while families skip meals. It boasts of debt ratios while businesses shut their doors. It trumpets reforms while millions of citizens slide deeper into poverty.”

Atiku maintained that the true measure of any government should be the welfare of its people rather than economic figures.

“Governments are not elected to improve spreadsheets. They are elected to improve the lives of their people,” he said.

“Nigerians cannot eat GDP. They cannot cook with debt-to-GDP ratios. They cannot pay school fees with statistical projections.”

The former vice president also rejected the Presidency’s position that critics rely on outdated information. He argued that the effects of the administration’s policies remain evident across the country.

“The Tinubu administration is asking Nigerians to forget the very policies whose consequences they continue to endure every day,” he said.

“Economic policy is not a light switch. The consequences of reckless decisions linger long after the announcements have faded.”

Atiku further questioned why the government continues to borrow despite its claims of improved revenue generation and stronger tax collections.

“If revenue has improved so dramatically, if subsidy has been removed, if tax collection has increased, and if debt servicing has supposedly become more manageable, why does this administration continue to borrow at record levels?” he asked.

He also argued that Nigerians have yet to enjoy the promised benefits of fuel subsidy removal.

“Three years later, Nigerians are entitled to ask: where are those dividends?” he said.

“Instead of relief, they have experienced the highest fuel prices in history, unprecedented transport costs, soaring food inflation, collapsing purchasing power and an economy where millions now struggle to afford even one decent meal a day.”

The ADC presidential candidate criticised the administration’s tax reforms. He said businesses are under pressure because of rising production and operating costs. He added that the government’s performance should be judged by improvements in education, healthcare and living standards.

Citing figures from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Atiku said 767 manufacturing firms have shut down, while another 335 are operating under distress. He also said manufacturers are holding about ₦2.14 trillion worth of unsold finished goods. He noted that multinational firms such as Procter & Gamble, GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi and Kimberly-Clark have exited local manufacturing operations.

According to him, those developments provide a clearer picture of the economy than official government claims.

“The true verdict on this administration’s economic policies is not written by government spokespersons,” he said.

“It is written in the silent factories, the abandoned production lines, the shuttered warehouses, the unemployed workers and the empty pockets of millions of Nigerians. No amount of propaganda can erase that reality.”

He urged the Presidency to focus on improving the living conditions of Nigerians instead of defending its economic record through public statements.

“Governments are not judged by the elegance of their press statements or the sophistication of their economic theories,” he said.

“They are judged by whether families can afford food, whether businesses can survive, whether young people can find jobs, whether communities are secure, and whether citizens have hope for tomorrow.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s criticism of him, insisting that he remains proud of opposing what he described as the former president’s third-term agenda.

Atiku’s response followed remarks made by Obasanjo during a fireside chat with activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, in Lagos on Friday. During the event, the former president said he regretted choosing Atiku as his deputy while they served together from 1999 to 2007.

Obasanjo said: “The man I picked as my running mate, my number two, if I had known as I came to know him later, I would not have picked him.

“I mean my vice-president. What I know about him later makes me… thank God because God did not allow his actions and reactions to overwhelm me or to divert my focus from Nigeria or to harm Nigeria.”

In a statement released on Saturday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said he received Obasanjo’s comments with sadness rather than anger. He argued that the remarks reflected “the disposition of a man who has allowed personal resentment to cloud historical truth.”

The former vice-president maintained that his opposition to the proposed constitutional amendment was based on his commitment to Nigeria’s democracy.

“I am proud that I stood against the third-term agenda. I am proud that I stood by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Atiku said.

“I have no apology whatsoever for frustrating every attempt to subvert our democracy for personal ambition.”

He added that no individual is greater than Nigeria. He said if Obasanjo’s resentment arose from his opposition to what he described as the “unconstitutional third-term” bid, he would accept it with pride.

The controversy over the third-term agenda dates back to the 2005–2006 constitutional amendment process, when lawmakers considered a proposal that would have allowed presidents and governors to serve three four-year terms instead of the existing two-term limit. The Senate eventually rejected the amendment bill on May 16, 2006.

Atiku was widely reported to have played a key role in mobilising opposition to the proposal through engagements with lawmakers and other political stakeholders.

Reflecting on the episode, Atiku said the battle was about protecting democratic principles rather than settling personal scores.

“The Nigerian people won that battle. Democracy won that battle. History has already delivered its verdict,” he said.

The former vice-president also referred to comments credited to former Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who recently praised the economic management team that operated during the Obasanjo administration.

“Chief Obasanjo may choose not to appreciate my role in building one of Nigeria’s most prosperous economic eras, but history has been far kinder,” he said.

“The record speaks for itself, and so do the testimonies of those who worked closely with that administration.”

Atiku also recalled the role he claimed to have played during Obasanjo’s imprisonment and political return.

“History records that while Chief Obasanjo was in prison, I stood firmly by him,” the former vice-president recalled.

“I supported his family, worked tirelessly with other patriots for his release and never wavered in my belief that he deserved his freedom.

“When he eventually regained his freedom, he had little to his name. I received him, clothed him, ensured he was properly cared for and extended every support necessary to help him regain his footing.”

He further stated that he “mobilised political structures, built alliances and made enormous personal and political sacrifices that culminated” in Obasanjo’s emergence as president after his release from prison.

“Do I regret helping Chief Obasanjo? Absolutely not. When God gives you the opportunity to lift another human being, you do so without expecting repayment. Acts of kindness are matters of conscience, not commercial transactions,” he said.

“If the true history of Chief Obasanjo’s political journey is ever written—free from selective recollection and personal bitterness—Atiku Abubakar will feature prominently as one of those whom God used to change the course of his life and political career,” Atiku said.

The former vice-president also expressed disappointment that the former president had chosen to revisit past political disagreements at a time when Nigeria faces economic hardship, unemployment and insecurity.

“The 2027 election should be about rebuilding Nigeria, restoring security, reviving the economy and giving hope to the next generation—not reopening old political wounds,” he added.

He concluded by saying that although Obasanjo has the right to hold personal opinions, “he is not entitled to his own facts”.

The latest exchange adds to a long-running public feud between the two leaders. Since leaving office, both men have repeatedly accused each other of corruption, abuse of office and political betrayal. Their dispute intensified recently after Obasanjo alleged that Atiku gave the late former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, N5 million to initiate impeachment proceedings against him during his first term. Atiku denied the allegation and accused the former president of making false claims to advance political interests ahead of the 2027 general election.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to allow what he described as an “unfettered” investigation into corruption allegations against the presidential aide.

In a statement released on Tuesday through his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku said the allegations against Gbajabiamila should not be ignored, adding that “silence and indifference” would not erase the “unfolding” claims.

The former vice-president said the situation should be handled in the same manner as the case of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, who was suspended by former President Muhammadu Buhari while investigations were ongoing.

Atiku said he was disturbed by allegations that Gbajabiamila “illegally corner[ed] tens of billions of naira in oil and gas royalties from petroleum regulatory commission, citing a fake law for presidential approval.”

He also accused the Tinubu administration of applying different standards in its anti-corruption campaign.

“Tinubu’s administration can’t pretend to be prosecuting opposition figures for corruption, while corruption is growing like weed under its own nose,” Atiku said.

“You can’t preach the rule of law when your own officials are awarded with the trophy of untouchability.

“Gbajabiamila must be held accountable like every other public official and independently investigated to give him full opportunity to defend himself against the brazen act of corruption as detailed in the Gazette report.

“Former President Buhari suspended his SGF Babachir Lawal from office in order to allow for unfettered investigation against him and Gbajabiamila shouldn’t be treated differently.”

Gbajabiamila has recently faced allegations from Adeniyi Adeyemi, Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), who accused him of collecting a N400 million bribe in exchange for an appointment letter.

The PFIPC has also attracted scrutiny after operating like a government agency despite the absence of any legal framework or presidential approval establishing it. The body reportedly received funding in the 2026 budget, occupied office space at the Federal Secretariat, and recruited staff.

Babachir Lawal was suspended in April 2017 over allegations of breaches of due process and violations of the law in the award of contracts under the Presidential Initiative on the North-East (PINE). Buhari later removed him from office after the investigation, and Boss Mustapha was appointed as his replacement.

Lawal and Atiku also disagreed publicly in June after the former SGF resigned from the ADC. Lawal alleged that the party’s primary election was manipulated in favour of Atiku and his allies.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A member of the United States Congress, Riley Moore, has said the administration of President Donald Trump will closely observe Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

Moore, a Republican lawmaker from West Virginia, stated this during an interview with NoireTV, which was later shared on the platform’s social media pages on Sunday.

Speaking on the credibility of Nigeria’s next elections, the congressman said Washington would pay serious attention to how the exercise is conducted.

“What I’d say is that we’re certainly going to be watching these results and how these elections unfold and how they’re executed. And that’s something that myself and the administration are going to be paying very close attention to,” he said.

The lawmaker also revealed that the US House of Representatives was working on an appropriations bill that contains provisions concerning Nigeria. He said the proposed legislation focuses on issues surrounding religious freedom and American security assistance.

“We’re working on Chris (Smith)’s bill, which obviously I’m a co-sponsor of that bill. But I’d say, more importantly, what people need to pay attention to is the appropriations bill that we’re going to have on the floor today,” Moore stated.

According to him, the bill includes strong measures that could shape future relations between both countries.

“There’s a lot of language that I put on that bill that’s inside of it that relates to Nigeria and the persecution of Christians and restrictions on security assistance to the government of Nigeria, and steps that they have to take.

“That bill’s likely to become law. We’re about to, hopefully, pass that here today. And so there’s some pretty strong and aggressive language in that bill that’s going to be binding as it relates to our relationship to Nigeria moving forward,” he added.

Moore further disclosed that he would continue discussions with the Trump administration on matters relating to Nigeria. He also said he was expected to meet the US president.

“I continue to work with the administration on next steps that we’re going to take. I’m actually going to see President Trump tonight. I’ll be having dinner with him and some other members, so yeah, I continue to talk to him about these issues, and it’s very important to him,” he said.

Moore is also a co-sponsor of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026. The bill was introduced in February alongside Congressman Chris Smith.

The proposed legislation seeks to compel the US Secretary of State to provide regular reports to Congress on efforts aimed at addressing religious persecution and mass killings in Nigeria.

The bill also proposes reviews of Nigeria’s compliance with international religious freedom obligations. It covers US security support, sanctions, humanitarian assistance, and steps taken by the Nigerian government to protect vulnerable communities and prosecute attackers.

In April 2026, the US House Appropriations Committee approved provisions in its annual State Department funding bill that introduced stricter conditions for financial support to Nigeria.

The proposal, which has been forwarded to Congress, states that half of the funds allocated to Nigeria under foreign assistance programmes would remain withheld until the Nigerian government is certified to be taking “effective steps” to tackle religious violence.

The bill also demands support for investigations and prosecution of violence linked to Fulani militia groups. It further requires measures that would ensure the safe return of displaced persons.

By Uzair Adam

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly rejected a Federal High Court judgment ordering its deregistration, describing the ruling as a dangerous development capable of undermining Nigeria’s democracy and political stability.

In a statement issued on Monday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC alleged that the judgment reflects what it called the growing desperation of the ruling party to retain power at all costs, even if it means compromising democratic principles.

The party maintained that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is the only constitutional body empowered to register or deregister political parties and vowed to challenge the judgment through all available legal channels.

“The African Democratic Congress wishes to warn, in the strongest terms, against any attempt to use the judiciary as a tool to weaken democracy and drag the country into a political crisis,” the statement said.

The party expressed concern over the judgment reportedly delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja in a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators seeking the deregistration of the ADC and four other political parties.

According to the ADC, the plaintiffs argued that the affected parties had failed to meet constitutional requirements for continued registration.

However, the party noted that INEC, in a counter-affidavit filed in May, clearly stated that the ADC had not violated any registration conditions and that no constitutional basis existed for its deregistration.

The statement further noted that INEC reaffirmed that political parties can only be deregistered on constitutionally recognised grounds and not based on political pressure or the interests of certain individuals.

The ADC also faulted the trial judge for proceeding with the matter despite a Court of Appeal order issued on May 22, 2026, directing a stay of proceedings.

“Apart from INEC’s clear position in support of the party, the ADC finds it troubling that the trial judge disregarded a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal. Such action raises serious questions about adherence to established judicial procedures and traditions,” the party stated.

The opposition party described the development as more than a legal disagreement, insisting that it represents a dangerous escalation that could affect Nigeria’s democratic process.

The ADC further alleged that individuals linked to the ruling party played key roles in advancing the case. It also questioned the involvement of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, who reportedly joined the matter as a plaintiff in April.

According to the party, the timing of the judgment is particularly suspicious, coming after it had completed its primaries and prepared candidates for all elective positions ahead of the next general election, including the presidential contest.

Despite the ruling, the ADC called on its members to remain calm and law-abiding while awaiting further directives from the party leadership. It reiterated its commitment to pursuing all lawful options to overturn the judgment.