A support group for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, United Friends for Atiku, has expressed concerns over a Federal High Court judgment affecting the leadership of the African Democratic Congress. The group warned that the judgment could undermine Nigeria's democracy and trigger a breakdown of public confidence in the electoral process. The judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, invalidated the ADC leadership and affected the party's candidates, including Atiku Abubakar's presidential nomination.
The group, led by Alhaji Aliyu Audu, called on the Court of Appeal to urgently hear any appeal arising from the judgment. They also urged the international community, including the UN, AU, ECOWAS, US, and UK, to monitor developments and ensure that Nigeria's democratic institutions operate independently. The group argued that democracy requires voters to have genuine alternatives from which to choose their leaders.
The United Friends for Atiku group emphasized that allowing political disputes to eliminate viable opposition choices through judicial controversies could turn elections into a process with predetermined outcomes. They warned that this could restrict political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections. The group did not argue that political parties or leaders should be above the law but expressed concern that the administration of justice could be used to advance political interests and weaken opposition parties.
The group highlighted conflicting judgments involving the ADC leadership, citing an earlier ruling by Justice Musa Liman on July 2, 2026. They warned that conflicting decisions by courts of equal standing on related disputes could undermine public confidence in the justice system. The group urged the appellate court to urgently examine the legal issues arising from the latest judgment to prevent institutionalized legal uncertainty.
The United Friends for Atiku group accused the incumbent administration of gradually narrowing the democratic space and weakening credible opposition through state institutions. They maintained that legitimate disputes concerning the ADC's leadership should be resolved through constitutionally appropriate judicial processes, with due regard to the wider implications for political participation and voters' rights.
The group called on the judiciary to protect its independence and resist attempts to use the courts for political elimination. They urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to discharge its responsibilities in accordance with the Constitution and final judicial decisions, without political interference. The group also appealed to international organizations and democratic partners to scrutinize judicial anomalies and apply diplomatic pressure where necessary to protect Nigeria's electoral process.
The United Friends for Atiku group warned the government against pushing citizens to the point of frustration over attempts to deny them their electoral choices. They cautioned their supporters against violence and urged them to remain committed to constitutional democracy. The group emphasized that Nigeria's democracy belonged to the people and called on the judiciary and other institutions to ensure that political parties were allowed to compete freely.
Key points
- The group urges the international community to monitor Nigeria's electoral process amid a court judgment affecting the ADC leadership.
- The judgment has sparked concerns over the potential undermining of Nigeria's democracy and public confidence in the electoral process.
- The group calls on the judiciary to protect its independence and resist attempts to use the courts for political elimination.
