Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reacted to the recent court ruling affecting the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), saying the development has exposed what he described as the true democratic character of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
In his reaction, Atiku argued that the events surrounding the NDC legal dispute have reinforced concerns about the shrinking democratic space in Nigeria. He maintained that Nigerians are increasingly witnessing what he described as attempts to weaken opposition voices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former presidential candidate stressed that democracy thrives on political pluralism, respect for the rule of law, and the ability of citizens to freely choose among competing political parties without undue interference.
His comments followed a Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja, Kogi State, which set aside an earlier judgment that had compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party. The NDC has since rejected the ruling and announced plans to challenge it at the Court of Appeal, insisting that it has not been deregistered.
According to Atiku, institutions responsible for safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy must remain independent and ensure that the electoral process is conducted fairly and transparently for all political actors.
He warned that any perception of selective application of the law or efforts to suppress opposition parties could erode public confidence in democratic institutions and undermine the credibility of the 2027 elections.
The Presidency has consistently maintained that it respects the independence of the judiciary and has rejected allegations of political interference in judicial proceedings.
Political analysts note that the legal dispute surrounding the NDC has become one of the earliest major controversies in the lead-up to the 2027 elections, drawing reactions from both ruling and opposition figures.
As the matter proceeds to the appellate courts, attention is expected to remain focused on the legal process and its implications for Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the next general elections.
