The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has warned the judiciary against being used to weaken opposition parties and undermine democracy following a Federal High Court judgment nullifying the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The party said the judiciary must remain independent and resist any attempt to turn the courts into instruments of political interference, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The NDC stated this in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, on Friday.

The party said it respected the judiciary as the last hope of the common man but expressed concern that judgments of this nature could create the impression that the courts were being used to frustrate democratic participation.

Mr Director said the manner in which some recent judgments, particularly those delivered by High Courts, had emerged raised questions about whether there was an attempt to prevent the ADC from participating in the 2027 elections.

He said such developments could further weaken multiparty democracy, which the party described as being under threat under the All Progressives Congress-led administration of President Bola Tinubu.

NDC calls for judicial independence

The NDC urged judicial officers to protect the independence, impartiality and integrity of the judiciary, warning against political interference in the determination of disputes involving opposition parties.

It also called on the ADC to challenge the judgment at the appellate court without delay.

The party further appealed to the appellate court to grant an accelerated hearing of the expected appeal, citing the approaching 2027 general elections and the need to prevent prolonged legal uncertainty from affecting political participation.

Court nullifies Mark-led ADC leadership

The NDC’s reaction followed a judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja on 5 November 2026, which nullified the National Working Committee of the ADC led by former Senate President, David Mark.

Justice Peter Lifu ruled that the emergence of the Mark-led leadership following the resignation of former ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, violated the party’s constitution, the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution.

The suit was filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC Deputy National Chairman (North-East), who challenged the process through which Mr Mark and other members of the caretaker leadership assumed control of the party.

The court also nullified decisions taken by the Mark-led leadership, including the process that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.

It further directed the Independent National Electoral Commission not to recognise or act on the affected decisions.

The ADC and Mr Atiku have rejected the judgment and announced plans to challenge it through the appellate process.