By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
The Forum of African Democratic Congress (ADC) Gubernatorial Candidates has vowed to resist self-help and pursue all available lawful and constitutional means to protect the party’s participation in the 2027 general elections, despite what it described as conflicting court judgments over the party’s leadership.
The forum also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of being uncomfortable with the growing support for the ADC, particularly following the party’s presidential campaign activities in Sokoto and Kebbi states.
Speaking at a press conference at the ADC national headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, the representative of the forum and Kwara State governorship candidate, Hon. Zakari Mohammed, said the party remained committed to the rule of law and would not resort to unconstitutional measures.
Mohammed said the ADC had faced several challenges since its registration but maintained that its members and supporters remained peaceful and law-abiding.
He said the party would continue to explore legitimate democratic channels, including court actions, peaceful protests and public engagement, to ensure that it remained on the ballot in the forthcoming elections.
“We are not resorting to self-help. We are trying to follow all laid-down lawful democratic means to achieve our aim. So, if it comes to protest, we will protest. If it comes to addressing several press conferences, we will do so. We cannot stop talking until we are heard,” he said.
He dismissed suggestions that the party should change its strategy in response to what it considers provocations, arguing that its approach was based on established democratic principles.
“Change of strategy is not necessary because the strategy we are adopting is the universal strategy that allows results to come, except you are talking about a coup, which we are not interested in,” he added.
In a statement presented at the briefing, the forum condemned the November 5, 2026 judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which it said nullified the leadership of the ADC under Senator David Mark and invalidated decisions taken by that leadership.
The candidates argued that the judgment had implications beyond the internal affairs of the party, raising concerns about political participation, judicial consistency and the future of multiparty democracy in Nigeria.
They expressed concern over the relationship between the 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.
The forum called on appellate courts to urgently examine the legal issues arising from the two decisions, particularly questions bordering on judicial hierarchy, precedent and the administration of justice.
It stressed that its criticism of the judgment did not amount to a rejection of the judiciary or the rule of law, insisting that it was seeking constitutional remedies through the appropriate legal channels.
The ADC candidates also accused the Tinubu administration and the APC of creating an increasingly hostile political environment for opposition parties, warning against any development that could weaken political competition ahead of the 2027 elections.
They maintained that Nigeria must not drift towards a one-party system, arguing that voters should have genuine alternatives in choosing their leaders.
The forum consequently called on the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, Commonwealth, European Union, United States, United Kingdom and international democracy-monitoring organisations to monitor developments surrounding opposition parties in Nigeria.
It urged the international institutions to engage the Nigerian government on the need to protect political pluralism, judicial independence, freedom of association and equal opportunities for all political parties.
The candidates also called on President Bola Tinubu and APC leaders to reaffirm their commitment to multiparty democracy and refrain from actions capable of undermining opposition parties.
Other demands included the protection of ADC members and candidates, the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and guarantees that all eligible political parties would be allowed to participate in the 2027 elections without discrimination or intimidation.
Responding to a question on why the party was not pursuing a political settlement with Nafi’u Bala instead of relying on the courts, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said efforts had repeatedly been made to engage him.
Abdullahi alleged that attempts to reach Bala had included visits to his parents’ residence in Mobile, but claimed that those efforts had not yielded results.
He questioned the circumstances surrounding Bala’s alleged change in political fortunes, claiming that someone who previously received financial assistance to attend meetings in Abuja had suddenly acquired significant security arrangements.
The publicity secretary suggested that the party could not achieve a political settlement without the willingness of the other party to engage.
The forum, however, urged ADC members, candidates and supporters nationwide to remain calm and peaceful while the party pursues available legal remedies.
It said it would neither surrender its democratic rights nor abandon the constitutional path, insisting that the Nigerian electorate, rather than political interests or institutional controversies, should determine the country’s leadership in 2027.
