Politics

Relief For ADC, AP, Other Parties As A-Court Stops Deregistration

Published

1 hour ago

June 17, 2026

LAGOS — The battle over deregistration of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and four other political parties took a dramatic turn, yesterday, as the Court of Appeal in Abuja halted execution of the Federal High Court judgment ordering their removal from the register of Independent National Electroral Commission, INEC.

The appellate court, in a unanimous ruling by a three-member panel, led by Justice A.B. Mohammed, severely criticised the lower court for proceeding with its judgment, despite an earlier order directing it to suspend action in the matter, describing the conduct as a violation of judicial hierarchy.

INEC supported the application for stay, saying it was not informed of delivery of the judgment and only learned of it through media reports.

The affected parties, including ADC, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party, Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party, had been accused by the National Forum of Former Legislators, NFFL, of failing to meet electoral performance thresholds set out in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as reinforced by the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC’s regulations.

The forum, in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, prayed the court presided over Justice Peter Lifu, to order INEC to deregister them, and it was granted.

The lower court’s ruling sparked outrage among opposition figures and civil society groups who warned against actions capable of shrinking Nigeria’s democratic space, ahead of the 2027 elections.

While critics described the move as an attempt to weaken opposition parties, legal supporters of the judgment insisted it merely enforced constitutional provisions requiring political parties to meet minimum electoral standards.

Appeal court order

Ordering stay of execution of the lower court order following an application from INEC, the appellate court berated Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja for flouting an order it made on May 22, which directed him to suspend proceedings before him.

It held that Justice Lifu’s action amounted to an affront on the hierarchy of courts, adding that his action was “the highest form of judicial impertinence, ”stressing that the Supreme Court previously held that a judge who acted in such manner “is unfit for the bench as it amounts to judicial rascality.”

“Courts are enjoined to protect their integrity. This Court has supervisory authority over the trial court. The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is a brazen violation of the hierarchy of the court and the 1999 Constitution.

“This court has the duty to invoke its powers in ensuring that its orders are made.

“The application for stay of execution is here yet granted. The enforcement of the judgment is stayed,” the appellate court held.

Parties, INEC seek stay of execution of verdict

The electoral umpire had earlier asked the Court of Appeal to stay execution of the judgment ordering deregistration of the five parties and threw its weight behind a notice of appeal lodged by the political parties.

Addressing a three-member panel of the appellate court, the electoral body said it was shocked by the decision of Justice Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja to deliver the judgment, despite an order that stopped him from doing so.

INEC, through its team of lawyers, led by Mr. Haliru Mohammed, said it was not notified that judgment would be delivered, saying it only heard about the court’s decision through media reports.

“We are aware of an order that this court made on May 22, which stopped delivery of the judgment of the lower court, which was initially reserved for delivery on June 5.

“We were not aware of any notice from the court regarding delivery of the judgment. We only saw it as breaking news in the media. We therefore do not oppose the application of the appellant to stay execution of the judgment,” the commission said.

Invitation to anarchy

Similarly, counsel to ADC, Mr. Shuaibu Aruwa, SAN, told the appellate court that Justice Lifu notified the party of the delivery of the judgment via WhatsApp.

Insisting that the decision of the high court was an invitation to anarchy, counsel to the ADC urged the appellate court to invoke its powers and sanction Justice Lifu for disrespecting judicial hierarchy.

“Sincerely, a lot has happened to the judiciary and this profession. What the trial judge did was dare this Court of Appeal by insisting that no one could arrest his judgment, even after his attention was drawn to the stay order from this court.

“The action of the trial judge calls for swift and extraordinary measures from this court. We have come to the stage where this court should press the reset button.

“We are calling on this court to exercise disciplinary jurisdiction under Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

“We urge this court to take disciplinary steps by immediately suspending that judgment. This court has the power to protect its own integrity. We pray this court suspends the judgment immediately without further delay,” ADC’s lawyer submitted.

The other parties also drew attention of the appellate court panel to the fact that on June 20, INEC will conduct by-elections in six states of the federation.

They contended that if the judgment was not stayed, it would create problems across the country, maintaining that the Court of Appeal has inherent powers to act in a supervisory capacity and not allow its orders to be disregarded by lower courts.

Judge declines to hands off ADC case, orders Mark, Aregbesola to pay N1m fine

Meanwhile, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, declined to recuse himself from the suit seeking to remove the Senator David Mark-led executives of the ADC.

He said there was no cogent or verifiable reason he should hands off the case, and consequently awarded costs of N500,000 each against Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, who are the Chairman and Secretary of the ADC leadership that is being challenged, for filing the recusal application, which he said was aimed at frustrating speedy determination of the case.

Justice Lifu held that the application lacked merit, as no evidence was adduced to establish his bias.

Consequently, he fixed June 23 for accelerated hearing of the suit, which was brought before the court by a former National Deputy Chairman (North-East) of ADC, Nafiu Bala Gombe.

Gombe had approached the court to challenge the legality of the Senator Mark-led Caretaker Committee of the ADC.

Aside from INEC, all the defendants in the suit demanded Justice Lifu’s recusal from the matter. Listed as defendants in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025 are the ADC, INEC, Senator Mark, Aregbesola, and Chief Ralph Nwosu.

Gombe is contending that with the resignation of the former National Chairman, Chief Nwosu, he was qualified to assume the party’s leadership.

He is praying the court to nullify all actions taken on behalf of the party by the Senator Mark-led leadership.

The plaintiff is further urging the court to restrain Mark and Aregbesola from parading themselves as national chairman and secretary, respectively, of the ADC, insisting that their emergence violated the party’s constitution and the provisions of the Electoral Act.

Although only five defendants were initially listed in the suit, the National Welfare Secretary of the party, Nkemakolam Ukandu, filed a motion to be joined as an interested party whose rights could be impacted by the outcome of the case.

Ukandu also joined in asking Justice Lifu to return the case file to the Chief Judge for reassignment.

He drew the court’s attention to the fact that the party had already petitioned both Justice Lifu and the Chief Judge before the National Judicial Council, NJC, adding that the two had also been sued over handling of legal disputes involving the ADC.

However, the plaintiff, through his team of lawyers, led by Mr. Robert Emukpero, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the motions as grossly lacking in merit, insisting they were mere ploys to delay the hearing.

Gombe’s lawyer insisted that the defendants failed to adduce any evidence to establish that the trial judge exhibited any form of bias against them.

It will be recalled that the case was previously before Justice Emeka Nwite, who delayed hearing to await the outcome of an interlocutory appeal Senator Mark filed before the Supreme Court to challenge the jurisdiction of the court to interfere in a dispute he said bordered on the domestic affairs of a political party.

Following the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the appeal on April 30, Gombe, on May 4, wrote a petition to the Chief Judge requesting reassignment of the suit to another judge, insisting he was no longer confident in Justice Nwite’s ability to determine the matter objectively.

All the defendants opposed the petition, accusing the plaintiff of attempting to frustrate the speedy hearing of the case.

“We also consider it an attempt to frustrate the order for accelerated hearing granted by the Court of Appeal and upheld by the Supreme Court,” said counsel to the first defendant, Mr. Realwan Okpanachi.

Justice Nwite subsequently withdrew from the case, and it was reassigned to Justice Lifu.

Meanwhile, outrage continued to greet Justice Lifu’s verdict ordering deregistration of ADC and four other parties.

It’s an attempt to weaken opposition, undermine democracy —Hashim-Olawepo

Speaking on the issue yesterday, Co-Chairman of the Movement for Democratic Renewal, MDR, and presidential candidate of Accord, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, described the judgment as evidence of a systematic effort to weaken opposition politics and undermine democracy ahead of the 2027 general polls.

Olawepo-Hashim, in a statement by his media office, said the development validates concerns he had repeatedly raised since 2024 regarding what he alleged was a coordinated strategy to make President Bola Tinubu the only viable presidential contender in 2027.

According to him, recent developments in the nation’s political landscape indicate a deliberate and multi-layered effort aimed at weakening opposition parties and restricting political competition.

He recalled that he had consistently warned that opposition governors were being pressured to defect to the ruling APC, alleging that those who resisted faced political intimidation and blackmail.

Referring specifically to the Federal High Court’s order directing deregistration of five parties, he said: “This is not only to destabilise the parties, but to ensure that the parties are not able to survive the illegal INEC processes to ensure only Tinubu can be a viable candidate.

“With the latest development from the Federal High Court ordering deregistration of opposition political parties, it is now clear beyond any reasonable doubt that President Tinubu is determined to kill Nigeria’s democracy,” he stated.

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Timi Frank, warned that any move to deregister the parties could trigger a national crisis and undermine Nigeria’s democratic foundations.

Frank, in a strongly worded statement, described the development as a direct threat to multi-party democracy, alleging that the reported court ruling formed part of a wider effort to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He called on United States President Donald Trump and members of the international community to urgently intervene to preserve Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

“The judgment came suddenly without prior notice to the parties involved. From information available to us, it appeared that the judgment had been prepared elsewhere and simply delivered by the court,” he alleged.

Describing the ruling as a “mystery judgment,” Frank alleged that it was orchestrated to achieve a pre-determined political outcome, with external interests potentially having influenced its preparation and delivery.

“It must be noted that any attempt by President Bola Tinubu and those working with him to deregister political parties, particularly major opposition parties such as the ADC, will give rise to a crisis that may be difficult to contain,” he said.

Adebayo rejects verdict, offers to lead justice campaign

In like manner, the 2027 Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Prince Adewole Adebayo, described the verdict as unconstitutional, undemocratic and a threat to Nigeria’s democratic development, and vowed to support the affected parties in their quest for justice and restoration through lawful means, stressing that democratic participation should never be restricted.

Adebayo on his X handle yesterday said that there was no constitutional, legal or moral justification for alternative political platforms to be suppressed through government action backed by judicial orders.

We won’t allow one-party state — Accord

On its part, the Accord Party rejected the judgment and expressed concern that recent developments in the political space could weaken the multiparty system that underpins democratic governance.

The position was stated by the Ogun State Chairman of the Accord Party, Mr. Rotimi Oke, during a telephone interview with Vanguard.

“We do not want a one-party state, and we believe political pluralism must be protected. That is our concern,” Oke said.

Resist undemocratic move — Ameh

Speaking on the issue, Acting National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, Chief Peter Ameh, urged Nigerians and stakeholders to resist “undemocratic moves” to deregister parties.

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. This hostile executive rascality and brazen judicial overreach must not be allowed to stand,” he said,

It’s threat to our democracy

– CNPP

On its part, the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, In a statement by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary Comrade James Ezema, said: “This judgment represents not merely a legal controversy but a direct assault on Nigeria’s constitutional democracy, multiparty political system, and the fundamental rights of citizens to freely associate and participate in the democratic process through political platforms of their choice.

“More disturbing is the active role played by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi-SAN, who did not merely remain a nominal defendant in the matter but reportedly deployed the weight and authority of his office to formally support a suit seeking the deregistration of opposition political parties.” the statement reads

CNPP also revealed its view of the development as a pattern to weaken the opposition parties and favour the ruling Party.

“What Nigerians are witnessing today increasingly resembles a full-scale state capture operation. A situation where formal institutions, legal frameworks, regulatory agencies and public authorities are manipulated by powerful political actors and their allies to secure predetermined political, economic and legal outcomes in their favour.

“Democracy ceases to exist in any meaningful sense when political competition is no longer determined by voters at the ballot box but by carefully orchestrated administrative and judicial maneuvers designed to eliminate competitors before elections even take place.”

Verdict upholds constitution, not politics — Ondo AG Ajulo

However, Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, has said that the court verdict deregistering the five parties upheld constitutional provisions, not political interests.

Ajulo described the ruling as a “faithful interpretation of constitutional provisions.”

“The law is clear and leaves little room for sentiment or political convenience. Justice Lifu did not create the law; he simply interpreted and applied it as enacted,” he stated.

He pointed to Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which empowers INEC to deregister parties that fail to meet specified electoral performance thresholds.

Ajulo stressed that the constitutional amendments were assented to by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018, predating the current administration.

“The judiciary must remain guided by the law and not by political considerations. Judges are duty-bound to interpret statutes as they exist,” he said.

Politics

Mark Slams FG After A’Court Reverses ADC Deregistration

Published

2 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Uthman Abdulganiyu

Following the Court of Appeal’s decision to reverse the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress and four other parties on Monday, ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark stated the judiciary is on trial. He warned the Federal Government against political manipulation.

Stakeholders also called for sanctions against Justice Peter Lifu for flouting a superior court order, as the ADC assures supporters they will remain on the ballot.

Political parties and stakeholders affected by the Federal High Court’s controversial deregistration order welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision to stay the execution of the judgment.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja had on Tuesday ordered a stay of execution of the judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister the ADC, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party, while delivering a stinging rebuke to Justice Lifu for flouting a May 22 appellate court order restraining him from delivering the ruling.

In a unanimous decision on Tuesday, a three-member panel led by Justice A. B. Mohammed condemned Justice Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja for flouting a May 22 order that directed him to suspend proceedings before him, describing his conduct as the gravest form of judicial misconduct.

“The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is a brazen violation of the hierarchy of the court and the 1999 Constitution,” the panel held.

The appellate court went further, invoking a Supreme Court precedent to characterise Justice Lifu’s conduct in the harshest terms.

“The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is the highest form of judicial impertinence,” the panel declared, adding that the Supreme Court had previously held that a judge who acted in such a manner “is unfit for the bench as it amounts to judicial rascality.”

The court said it had a duty to assert its supervisory authority over lower courts and protect the integrity of the judicial hierarchy.

“Courts are enjoined to protect their integrity. This court has supervisory authority over the trial court. This court has the duty to invoke its powers in ensuring that its orders are obeyed. The application for stay of execution is hereby granted. The enforcement of the judgment is stayed,” the panel ruled.

The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Lifu, had on Monday ordered INEC to deregister the ADC, Accord Party, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party and Zenith Labour Party, ruling that the five parties failed to meet the constitutional performance thresholds under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, specifically, requirements related to securing at least 25 per cent of votes in certain states or winning seats in the 2023 general elections.

Earlier in Tuesday’s proceedings, INEC told the appellate court it was stunned by Justice Lifu’s decision to deliver the judgment, disclosing that the commission only learned of the ruling through media reports rather than any official notification.

INEC’s lead counsel, Mr Haliru Mohammed, told the panel that the commission had been aware of the appellate court’s May 22 order restraining the lower court from delivering the judgment, which had originally been reserved for June 5.

“We were not aware of any notice from the court regarding the delivery of the judgment. We only saw it as breaking news in the media. We therefore do not oppose the application of the appellant to stay the execution of the judgment,” Mohammed submitted.

The commission also aligned itself with the notice of appeal filed by the affected political parties.

Counsel to the ADC, Mr Shuaibu Aruwa, SAN, told the court that Justice Lifu communicated the judgment’s delivery to the party via WhatsApp, a disclosure that drew visible reactions from the bench.

Aruwa described the lower court’s conduct as an invitation to anarchy and urged the appellate court to invoke its disciplinary jurisdiction under Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution to sanction the judge.

“The action of the trial judge calls for swift and extraordinary measures from this court. We have come to the stage where this court should press the reset button.

APC reacts

Reacting to the appellate court’s decision, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ruling offered a measure of hope for the judiciary’s credibility, though he was careful not to celebrate unreservedly.

“It indicates that the judiciary may still redeem itself. We are cautiously delighted but we insist that it shouldn’t have happened in the first place,” Abdullahi said in a telephone interview.

He called on the National Judicial Council to take urgent steps to rid the bench of judges whose conduct brought the institution into disrepute.

“We, therefore, hope that the judicial council will take urgent steps to purge the bench of judges who bring the judicial institution to disrepute,” he said.

The National Leader of the Action Peoples Party, Ikenga Ugochinyere, was more emphatic in his welcome of the ruling, describing it as a vindication of the party’s position from the outset and calling on the NJC to weed out what he termed controversial judges.

“There was no need to panic in the first place, and, so, this ruling is a vindication of our position from the get-go,” Ugochinyere said.

“We call on the NJC to weed out controversial justices who say one thing in the morning and another in the evening. These are the bad eggs giving the judiciary a bad name,” he added.

Ugochinyere raised broader concerns about public confidence in the justice system, warning that judicial inconsistency was eroding citizens’ respect for court pronouncements.

“Court pronouncements are supposed to be respected by citizens, particularly because they come from institutions established by law. But when people begin to hide behind technicalities, it raises concerns about the integrity of those institutions.

“How do we expect citizens to obey court judgments when many people no longer see justice as blind, but rather as something influenced by individuals and personal interests? That is the challenge before us,” the APP leader added.

He also noted that the controversy surrounding Justice Lifu’s ruling had sparked frustration across the country, with some of the anger directed at the presidency.

“This situation has generated a lot of reactions across the country. Many people are directing their frustrations at the President. Perhaps there is a need for greater clarity so that Nigerians understand exactly what is happening,” Ugochinyere said.

He nevertheless described Tuesday’s outcome as a victory for democracy and the rule of law.

“What happened today (Tuesday) is a victory, not just for democracy, but for the rule of law. We are happy because the courts have once again demonstrated their relevance in our democratic process,” he said.

Other parties speak

The Acting National Chairman of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ameh, took a philosophical approach in welcoming the ruling, invoking the words of the philosopher Edmund Burke to frame the significance of the appellate court’s intervention.

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing,” Ameh said.

He warned that what he described as hostile executive rascality and brazen judicial overreach must not be allowed to stand.

Also, the ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar said in a statement posted on his X handle that the ruling was a positive development, noting with particular significance that INEC itself had initiated the application for the stay .

“I welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision to stay the execution of the Federal High Court judgment seeking the deregistration of our great party, the ADC, and four other political parties. It is particularly significant that INEC itself initiated the application for the stay,” he wrote.

Atiku, Mark protest

The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar also criticised what he described as judicial contradictions in the ongoing legal dispute, warning that such developments had placed the judiciary under intense public scrutiny.

“The disturbing spectacle of judicial contradictions and politically charged rulings playing out in our courts has placed the judiciary under intense public scrutiny. As ADC National Chairman, Sen. David Mark, rightly observed, the judiciary itself is now on trial,” Atiku said.

He warned against any attempt to weaponise the courts against Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

“Any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s hard-won democracy through judicial manipulation is a grave danger to the Republic. If our democracy suffers further injury, history will demand accountability from those entrusted with dispensing justice,” he said.

Following the judgment given by Justice Lifu, the National Judicial Council has been urged to investigate Justice Peter Lifu over his decision to deliver judgment in a case that was already before the Court of Appeal.

The civil society organisation, Tap Initiative for FOR Citizens’ Development, on Tuesday in a statement called on the leadership of the judiciary to immediately investigate Justice Lifu over the judgment.

The call follows concerns over the alleged disregard for the hierarchy of courts and implications such actions could have on the judiciary and Nigeria’s democracy as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.

Justice Lifu had on Monday ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister five political parties over their alleged breach of Section 225(A) of the Constitution.

However, the judgment was reportedly delivered despite an order staying proceedings issued by the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal on May 22.

The decision has since attracted criticism from several quarters, with critics accusing the judge of undermining democratic principles.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Mbasekei Martin Obono, the group urged the NJC to, among other things, “Determine whether the decision was delivered in disregard of pending appellate proceedings and a subsisting order of stay;

“Examine possible breaches of the judicial code of conduct; Take appropriate disciplinary action if misconduct is established; and

Reaffirm the authority of appellate courts and the supremacy of due process within the judiciary”.

The group recalled that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, had consistently emphasised the need for accountability, discipline and ethical conduct within the judiciary.

It disclosed that it had formally petitioned the CJN, in her capacity as Chairman of the NJC, seeking an investigation and possible disciplinary action against Justice Lifu.

According to the group, the petition presents an opportunity to reinforce the principles of accountability and demonstrate that judicial independence is not incompatible with responsibility.

“Tap Initiative expresses grave concern that at the time the said judgement was delivered, there were subsisting appellate proceedings before the Court of Appeal in respect of the same subject matter in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/CV/569/2026. Furthermore, the Court of Appeal had issued an Enrolment Order expressly granting a stay of proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025, being the very proceedings in which the Federal High Court subsequently proceeded to deliver judgment.

“This development raises profound constitutional and procedural concerns, as it appears that a valid order of stay and active appellate proceedings were in force at the material time. If established, this situation would constitute a serious affront to the doctrine of judicial hierarchy and the supervisory jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal within Nigeria’s constitutional order.

“Tap Initiative emphasizes that the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system depends fundamentally on strict adherence to judicial hierarchy, procedural discipline, and respect for appellate authority. Any deviation from these principles risks creating conflicting judicial outcomes, eroding legal certainty, and undermining public confidence in the courts”, he said.

The group stressed that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common citizen, arguing that its legitimacy is sustained not only by constitutional authority but also by unwavering public confidence in its fairness, discipline and respect for the rule of law.

It therefore called on the NJC to treat the matter with the urgency and seriousness it deserves in the interest of justice, democracy and national stability.

Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Senator David Mark, on Tuesday declared that the Nigerian judiciary, rather than the opposition party, is the institution facing scrutiny over the controversy surrounding the deregistration of the ADC and four other political parties.

Speaking at the ADC Strategic Communications Retreat in Abuja, the former Senate President accused the judiciary of actions capable of undermining public confidence in the nation’s democratic process, while questioning the conduct of Justice Peter Lifu in matters relating to the party.

According to Mark, the outcome of the controversy will test the credibility of the judiciary and the ability of the National Judicial Council to address concerns arising from the case.

“The ADC is not on trial. Rather, it is the judiciary that is on trial and the nation is waiting to see how the National Judicial Council is going to handle this precarious situation,” he said.

The ADC chairman expressed concern over what he described as unprecedented judicial actions, alleging that Justice Lifu ignored an order of the Court of Appeal directing a stay of proceedings in the matter.

He said it was difficult to comprehend how a judge could be involved in actions that appeared to contradict existing court directives.

Mark further alleged that the judge issued conflicting decisions regarding the status of the party within a short period.

“It is strange that a judge can order the Independent National Electoral Commission to pronounce a party dead and in less than 24 hours put the same party on trial,” he said.

The remarks come amid growing political tension over recent legal challenges affecting opposition parties ahead of preparations for the next electoral cycle.

Despite the legal setback, Mark urged party members not to lose confidence in the ADC, insisting that the party would emerge stronger from the dispute.

“Like I have said previously, our members should not worry about the shenanigans of the ruling party. We will go through all these turbulence because we are up to the task. By the time we are through all these, ADC will come out stronger,” he stated.

The former Senate President also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress APC of attempting to weaken opposition forces through distractions, claiming that the governing party was struggling to defend its record in office.

He alleged that the President Bola Tinubu-led government is diverting attention from its challenges by targeting opposition platforms.

Addressing party communicators at the retreat, Mark charged them to craft messages capable of expanding the ADC’s appeal across political divides, including among members of the ruling party.

He challenged the communications team to develop persuasive narratives that would attract more Nigerians to the ADC project.

Politics

2027 Presidency: Atiku Reportedly Opens Talks With New Party as ADC Faces Deregistration Battle

Published

1 day ago

June 16, 2026

The Daily Voice

Fresh reports suggest that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is holding discussions with leaders of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) amid growing uncertainty surrounding the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The development comes in the wake of reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deregistered several political parties, including the ADC, a situation that has triggered fresh calculations among opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sources familiar with the discussions said Atiku is exploring the possibility of returning to the PRP, a party that played a significant role in Nigeria’s political history. While neither Atiku nor the PRP leadership has officially confirmed the move, the talks have sparked widespread speculation within political circles.

The reported negotiations have generated mixed reactions among Nigerians, with many questioning whether another change of political platform would offer a genuine alternative to the country’s existing political order.

Political analysts say the ongoing developments highlight the fluid nature of Nigeria’s political landscape as major actors reposition themselves ahead of the next presidential election. The possible alliance between Atiku and the PRP could reshape opposition politics and influence coalition-building efforts in the coming months.

As uncertainty continues to surround the future of the ADC and other affected parties, attention is now focused on Atiku’s next political move and what it could mean for the battle for power in 2027.

The latest development adds another layer of intrigue to an election cycle already marked by defections, strategic alliances, and intense political maneuvering, reinforcing expectations that the road to 2027 will be filled with major surprises.

Politics

BREAKING: Kenneth Okonkwo Dumps Atiku, Gives Shocking Reason

Published

2 days ago

June 15, 2026

The Daily Voice

Nollywood actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo has withdrawn his support for the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, citing the continued marginalisation of the South-East geopolitical zone.

Okonkwo’s decision followed the official announcement by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, confirming former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, from the South-South, as Atiku’s vice-presidential running mate for the 2027 general election.

Reacting to the development, Okonkwo stated that any arrangement excluding the South-East from the top two executive positions in 2027 perpetuates unpardonable injustice against his people.

He emphasized that the region has not produced a President or Vice President since 1999 and noted that the ADC’s founder, Ralphs Nwosu, did not sacrifice leadership of the party in 2025 to enable the marginalisation of his own zone.

Okonkwo maintained that he would not campaign for any presidential ticket that fails to include a person of South-East origin as President or Vice President in 2027.

Okonkwo shared his decision in a statement released on his official X handle:

I heard from the social media that ADC has picked its vice presidential candidate from the South-South. If this is true, it is unfortunate, as this will continue the crude marginalisation of the South-East.

This Geo-Political Zone has neither produced a President or Vice President since 1999. To deny the South-East the opportunity to produce the President or Vice President in ADC in 2027 will amount to perpetuating the marginalisation.

The ADC was founded by Ralphs Nwosu from the South-East in 2005. He made the sacrifice to give up the party in 2025 for the coalition to usher in a better Nigeria. He couldn’t have made that sacrifice to marginalise his own people.

I did not join the coalition to assist in marginalisation of my own people further. I am of the opinion that if we made a sacrifice to give up the National Chairman and the President, it will amount to unpardonable injustice to deny us the Vice President in 2027.

I joined politics to fight for a better Nigeria where no region, Geo-Political Zone, or person will be marginalised.

The only favour I asked Atiku Abubakar, who openly declared that he is the pathway to the presidency of the South-East, is to show it by choosing someone from the South-East to be his Vice.

If it is confirmed that he has chosen a candidate from the South-South, I wish him well. I am not favourably disposed to campaigning for any presidential ticket that does not have a person of South-East origin as President or Vice in 2027.