TACKLES AT ADC: Group seeks de-listing of party in court, mobilisation process disrupted by thugs in Borno

BY ORIAKU IJELE     

The hopes of having a viable opposition ahead of the 2027 general election is still in limbo as several dark forces seem to be battling the ADC, both legally and physically. In the past 2 days, several frightening developments have surfaced on Nigeria’s polity, which suggest that some interests are disposed to having a system without a vibrant opposition.

Only yesterday, a group consisting of former legislators were in court to seek the de-listing of some opposition parties with ADC featuring prominently in the prayer to the Abuja court.

The group, National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) in its suit cited alleged constitutional and electoral infractions against the parties.

The court has, therefore, fixed February 16 for the hearing of the constitutional suit, which seeks to compel the enforcement of provisions governing the registration and continued operation of political parties in Nigeria.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025, was filed by the NFFL against the ADC, Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, Action Alliance (AA) and the Action Peoples Party (APP).

The forum of former federal and state lawmakers is asking the court to order the deregistration of the affected parties, alleging persistent failure to meet mandatory constitutional and electoral benchmarks as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Central to the suit is Section 225A of the Constitution, which empowers relevant authorities to withdraw recognition from political parties that fail to satisfy prescribed performance standards and statutory obligations.

The NFFL is seeking what it described as a “clear and authoritative judicial interpretation” of the section, with a view to strengthening constitutional compliance within the nation’s multi-party system.

National Coordinator of the NFFL, Raphael Igbokwe, argued that the continued existence of political parties that consistently fall short of constitutional thresholds undermines democratic accountability and weakens the country’s electoral process.

The forum stressed that the legal action is not driven by partisan considerations but by a broader concern for constitutionalism, electoral integrity and democratic consolidation.

Meanwhile in Borno, another attack was directed towards the ADC, when suspected hired thugs disrupted a programmed geared towards mobilisisng membership for the opposition coalition.

Condemning the incessant attacks at the opposition coalition, called on the police to investigate the alleged disruption of the inauguration of the party’s transitional and membership registration committees in Borno on Friday.

The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, condemned the alleged disruption of what he called the party’s lawful activities, insisting that the programmes were duly authorised.

Abdullahi described the disruption as inconsistent with party values, urging the police and other security agencies to investigate the attack.

He said the inaugurations complied fully with the guidelines and authorisations issued by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), dismissing claims of irregularity in the conduct of the exercise.

Abdullahi condemned those engaging in violence to frustrate lawful exercises, maintaining that such actions violated the ADC constitution, values, democracy and political engagement.

He said that the party would not allow its affairs to be hijacked by persons without mandate and those pursuing personal interests at the expense of ADC’s unity and stability.

The ADC spokesman urged law enforcement authorities to investigate the reported attacks thoroughly, identify perpetrators, prosecute offenders, warning that political violence must never be normalised or excused.

While reaffirming the party’s commitment to peaceful organisation, internal democracy, rule of law, he said that ADC would deploy internal and legal measures to protect its members and processes nationwide.