A spokesman to the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Paul Ibe, has described as “height of judicial rascality” Monday’s order by a Federal High Court to de-register it and four other parties parties.
The judgment, if upheld by appellate courts effectively stops Atiku and many others from contesting some off-season elections and the 2027 general elections.
Ibe, in reaction to the development, accused the presiding judge who delivered the judgement, Justice Peter Life, of compromise.
As contained in a statement issued on his X handle, the media aide to Atiku accused Lifu of being used in undermining the opposition party.
“The so-called deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) along with other parties by Justice Peter Lifu may yet be the biggest manifestation of Tinubu’s hell-bent bid to undermine the opposition and entrench a defacto one-party state.
“The judgment is the height of judicial rascality.” He said.
Ibe recalled the Appeal Court’s ruling which ordered Lifu to suspend any action on the opposition party’s case pending the hearing of an appeal scheduled for the 27th of October 2026.
He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of desperation to retain power and alleged plot to destroy democracy.
“The Court of Appeal presided over by Justices Mohammed A. Danjuma, Adebunkunola A. Banjoko, Oyejoju O. Oyewumi had in Appeal CA/ABJ/CV/569/2026 and suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025 ordered Justice Peter Lifu to stay further action on the matter until the hearing and determination of the Appeal before it.
“The hearing for the appeal was scheduled for the 27th of October 2026. That order was dated 22nd of May 2026.
“Nigerians and the international community can see the level of desperation of government of the ruling party to either have their way in the 2027 elections or destroy our democracy that was purchased at a huge cost.” He said.
