… Demand urgent appellate review, warn against drift towards one-party state
Governorship candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have called on the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other international institutions to monitor Nigeria’s political environment following the November 5 judgment of Justice Peter Lifu, which nullified the party’s leadership under Senator David Mark.
The candidates also called for an urgent review of the judgment by the Court of Appeal, warning that its implications could weaken opposition politics, threaten multiparty democracy and undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
The forum made the demands at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, November 12, describing the ruling as a threat to democratic freedoms and the political aspirations of thousands of party members and candidates across the country.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the ADC governorship candidate in Kwara State, Zakari Mohammed, urged the UN, AU, ECOWAS, Commonwealth, European Union, United States, United Kingdom and international democracy-monitoring organisations to pay close attention to developments in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections.
The candidates also called on President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to publicly reaffirm their commitment to multiparty democracy and avoid actions capable of undermining opposition parties.
They urged the Federal Government to guarantee a level playing field for all political parties, while asking the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain neutral and discharge its constitutional responsibilities without political interference.
The forum expressed concern over what it described as conflicting judicial pronouncements on the ADC leadership dispute.
It recalled that Justice Musa Liman had, in a July 2, 2026 judgment, recognised the David Mark-led leadership, questioning the circumstances surrounding the subsequent decision by a court of coordinate jurisdiction to reach a contrary conclusion.
The candidates argued that the conflicting decisions had created uncertainty within the party and required urgent judicial clarification through the appellate process.
They warned that continued political and legal controversies surrounding opposition parties could leave Nigerians with limited electoral choices in 2027.
Accusing the Tinubu administration and its political associates of presiding over an increasingly difficult political environment for opposition parties, the candidates cautioned against any development that could push Nigeria towards a one-party system.
“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.
They further urged the executive arm of government and political actors to refrain from actions capable of intimidating the judiciary or compromising its independence.
The candidates also demanded adequate protection for the constitutional and political rights of ADC members, supporters and candidates across the country.
Justifying their appeal to international institutions, the forum cited Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantee political pluralism, popular participation and the right to participate in genuine elections.
The candidates, however, clarified that their appeal was not an invitation to foreign governments to dictate Nigeria’s political direction or interfere in judicial proceedings.
Rather, they said, it was intended to encourage international institutions to monitor the country’s adherence to democratic principles and obligations.
They urged ADC members and supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding while the party explores available legal options, stressing that challenging the judgment should not be interpreted as a rejection of the judiciary or the rule of law.
Addressing President Tinubu, the candidates declared: “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.”
They insisted that the 2027 general elections must not become a predetermined exercise, warning that no political party or individual should monopolise the country’s political destiny.
“Nigeria is not available for coronation. Nigeria belongs to its people,” the forum added.