ADC Guber Candidates Condemn Lifu’s Judgment, Seek International Intervention

ADC Guber Candidates Condemn Lifu’s Judgment, Seek International Intervention Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Forum of African Democratic Congress (ADC) Gubernatorial Candidates, has condemned the November 5 judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, which nullified the leadership of the party under Senator David Mark. The forum described the judgment as a threat to multiparty democracy and Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 general election, calling on the international community to closely monitor developments surrounding opposition parties in the country. The candidates, who made their position known at a press conference, yesterday, urged the United Nations, African Union, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Commonwealth, European Union, United States and United Kingdom governments, among other international institutions, to engage the Nigerian government over what they described as growing threats to opposition politics. They argued that the judgment had implications beyond the internal affairs of the ADC, warning that it could create uncertainty for thousands of party members and candidates preparing to contest elective positions under the party’s platform. According to the forum, at a press conference addressed by the Kwara State governorship candidate, Zakari Mohammed, said the ruling raised fundamental questions about judicial consistency, political participation, institutional independence and the future of multiparty democracy in Nigeria. The candidates expressed particular concern over the relationship between the latest judgment and an earlier ruling delivered by Justice Musa Liman on July 2, 2026, which they said recognised the legitimacy of the David Mark-led leadership. They questioned how a court of coordinate jurisdiction could arrive at a decision with far-reaching consequences in the face of an earlier judgment on the same leadership dispute. The forum, however, called on the appellate courts to urgently examine the legal issues arising from the judgment and ensure that judicial hierarchy, established precedents and the rule of law were upheld. “We are not asking for immunity from the law. No political party should be above the law. However, the law must be applied consistently, impartially and without discrimination,” the candidates said. They also accused President Bola Tinubu and the APC of presiding over an increasingly hostile political environment for opposition parties. “Let us make one thing abundantly clear: Nigeria is not a private estate belonging to President Tinubu, the APC or any political establishment. “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 statement said.