NDC Deregistration: Tinubu afraid of free and fair election – Atiku

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the Federal High Court ruling setting aside the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), describing it as part of an alleged plot by President Bola Tinubu to impose a one-party state ahead of the 2027 general election.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his media office, Atiku said the attempt to remove the NDC through the courts runs contrary to the democratic aspirations of Nigerians and reflects what he described as the President’s fear of a free and fair election in 2027.

His reaction followed Friday’s judgment by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, which set aside its earlier order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party.

Justice Isah Dashen ruled that the court’s December 10, 2025 judgment adversely affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which was not joined in the original suit despite claiming ownership of the logo relied upon in obtaining the judgment.

Reacting to the ruling, Atiku said he was not surprised by the development, warning that weakening opposition parties through judicial means could have serious consequences for Nigeria’s democracy.

According to him, the right of citizens to participate in free, fair and credible elections is the foundation of democracy, and any attempt to suppress that right could lead to instability.

“Nigerians are now seeing the true colours of President Tinubu, who pretends to be a democrat, but his body language and the sinister activities of his agents contradict his mouthed commitment to free and fair elections,” Atiku said.

The former Vice President urged Tinubu to emulate former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan, noting that despite political differences, neither administration deregistered opposition parties.

“If you’re truly popular and your policies have positively bettered the lives of the citizens, you shouldn’t be afraid of a free and fair competition,” he said.

Atiku further stated that Tinubu “cannot be a champion of democracy under military dictatorship and now become the worst enemy of everything that democracy stands for.”

“You can’t attempt to rule the people against their will and still pretend that you’re committed to free and fair elections in 2027,” he added.

The ADC presidential candidate also appealed to members of the judiciary to resist political pressure and safeguard the integrity of the courts.

He said governments are temporary, but institutions must remain strong and credible.

According to Atiku, while many judges have upheld the principles of justice, some have allowed themselves to become instruments in the hands of politicians.

“Governments will come and go. Hence, the judiciary must guard her integrity as the last hope of the masses. Don’t allow unscrupulous politicians to stain your reputation for their own short-term gain at the expense of justice.

“The judiciary is the last hope of the people. Let’s avoid anything that is capable of ruining the credibility and reputation of our courts; not for a messy pot of pottage or love of lucre.

“There are great judges in Nigeria, but the unchecked excesses of some who allow themselves to become judicial swords in the hands of politicians are capable of damaging the larger image of the judiciary,” he said.

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