Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has hailed the Court of Appeal’s decision overturning the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the ruling as a major victory for democracy and confirming that the party is now legally cleared to participate in the 2027 general elections.
The Court of Appeal, in a unanimous judgment delivered on Tuesday, set aside an earlier Federal High Court ruling that ordered the deregistration of the ADC and four other political parties.
The appellate court held that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case, ruling that the suit was incompetent because it was filed by a non-juristic entity.
Reacting through a statement issued by his media office, Atiku welcomed the judgment, saying it reaffirmed the independence of the judiciary and the principles of constitutional democracy.
“We warmly welcome the landmark judgment of the Court of Appeal, which set aside the erroneous judgment of the Federal High Court that sought to remove the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other political parties from Nigeria’s democratic space,” Atiku said.
He congratulated the justices of the Court of Appeal, praising them for what he described as their commitment to justice and the Constitution.
“Their judgment is a reassuring affirmation that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man and the ultimate guardian of constitutional democracy,” he added.
According to the former vice president, the latest judgment, alongside an earlier Federal High Court ruling that affirmed the David Mark-led National Executive Committee of the ADC, has removed every legal obstacle standing in the party’s way ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The leading opposition party has finally navigated its way to the ballot for the 2027 general elections, as there is no suit pending that challenges its leadership again,” Atiku stated.
He also noted that the Court of Appeal found that the lower court ignored affidavit evidence presented by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which confirmed that the ADC and the other affected political parties had complied with all constitutional and legal requirements.
Atiku described the judgment as a victory not only for the ADC but also for Nigerians who believe in free and fair political competition.
He urged political actors to avoid using the courts as a tool to eliminate opponents, insisting that elections should be decided by voters.
“As the nation moves steadily towards the 2027 general election, political contests must be settled by the votes of Nigerians—not by contrived lawsuits designed to achieve through the courtroom what cannot be won at the ballot box,” he said.
