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• I was shocked by the court order – Dickson

• Atiku, ADC express worries about the choice

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated it plans to reassess the ruling from the Federal High Court that ordered the withdrawal of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as a registered political party.

Judge Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, who ordered the Commission to register the NDC in a ruling he issued on December 10 last year, changed his position on Friday, stating that the judgment failed to account for other parties involved in the case.

However, INEC stated that it will request a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the ruling and will act in line with the court’s decision once it is obtained.

We will not let this hinder our progress or weaken our resolve. The fight has to go on.

We will employ suitable legal procedures to address the judicial irregularity that took place during the tenure of Honorable Justice Dashen. He has made a clear legal mistake, and we will implement measures to rectify it.

He called on all the candidates, supporters, and voters throughout the nation and abroad to remain steadfast and maintain their belief, stating, “This outcome demonstrates that our hard work has not been overlooked.”

I would also like to mention my favorite saying about challenges: ‘Initially, they disregard you, then they mock you, followed by them attacking you, and finally, you emerge victorious.’

We are facing an attack. As I have stated many times, we need to get ready for difficulties like this. However, after that, we will emerge victorious.

Despite the advancements of today, thousands of Nigerians are uniting with us in support.

ADC expresses worry about NDC’s de-recognition

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) voiced worry about the Federal High Court in Lokoja’s choice to reverse its previous ruling that acknowledged the NDC, calling the situation part of a worrying trend impacting the opposition.politics in Nigeria.

In a statement released yesterday, Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of ADC, expressed that the decision has sparked worries regarding the condition of democracy and how opposition parties are being treated under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.

The party claimed that opposition groups have experienced preventable internal crises in recent months due to legal conflicts and administrative actions, cautioning that these situations could undermine political competition and reduce democratic options for Nigerians.

Throughout the last few months, Nigerians have observed a troubling trend developing.

Abdullahi stated, ‘Numerous opposition parties have been drawn into preventable internal conflicts due to a series of strange legal disputes and administrative actions.’

He stated that the matter went beyond any one political party, contending that ongoing conflicts impacting opposition groups might weaken voters’ capacity to select viable options in elections.

He believes that democracy flourishes through equitable rivalry, impartial institutions, and trust that all political participants are regarded equally by the law.

The ADC recommended vigilance before the 2027 general election, stating that activities that could impact the integrity of the voting process should be open to public examination.

Abdullahi stated that the judiciary continues to be one of the final safeguards for our democracy and should never be seen as a place where political conflicts are resolved in favor of those holding executive authority.

He urged trust in the judicial system, emphasizing that justice should not only be administered but also appear to be done so fairly.

The gathering called on opposition groups, civil society organizations, the legal sector, labor unions, the press, and Nigerians to stay dedicated to safeguarding democratic structures.

It cautioned that undermining any political group might lead to broader consequences for the democratic framework.

The statement said, ‘Yesterday’s target was the NDC. Tomorrow, it could be anyone who dares to provide Nigerians with a different option.’

Perilous single-party state plan in action, claims Atiku

A former Vice President of Nigeria and a candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, characterized the effort to deregister the NDC via legal channels as a sign of President Bola Tinubu’s desperate attempt to establish an unofficial one-party system in the country, contrary to the democratic desires and hopes of Nigerians.

In response to the situation, Atiku stated he was not taken aback by the troubling circumstances, warning that it could lead to serious outcomes “if the hidden scheme to undermine opposition parties in order to assist Tinubu achieve his goals in the 2027 election is successful.”

Atiku stated that the involvement of people in a free, fair, and reliable election is the essence of democracy. Therefore, any effort to suppress this freedom of choice might lead to disorder and turmoil.

” Nigerians are now witnessing the real nature of President Tinubu, who feigns being a democrat, yet his body language and the covert actions of his associates contradict his declared support for free and fair elections,” he stated.

The Waziri of Adamawa advised Tinubu to take inspiration from the late President Muhammadu Buhari, who, although a former military officer who transitioned into politics, never disbanded any opposition party.

Same goes for former President Goodluck Jonathan, who adhered to a principle of non-violence, believing that political aspirations should never come at the cost of any citizen’s life.

“If you are genuinely popular and your policies have genuinely improved the lives of the people, you should not fear a free and fair contest,” he stated.

Tinubu cannot be a defender of democracy while under a military regime and has now become the greatest opponent of all that democracy represents.

“You can’t try to govern the people against their wishes and still claim to support free and fair elections in 2027,” Atiku said.

The former Vice President also urged judges “to resist being exploited by dishonorable politicians who are determined to undermine the democracy that has been carefully built up in the nation.”

Political regimes may rise and fall. Therefore, the judiciary should protect its integrity as the final resort for the people.

Never let dishonest politicians damage your reputation for their immediate benefit, sacrificing justice in the process.

The courts are the final resort for the public. We should steer clear of anything that could damage the trust and standing of our judicial system; not for a quick gain or desire for wealth.

“There are outstanding judges in Nigeria, but the uncontrolled actions of those who let themselves be used as judicial tools by politicians can harm the overall reputation of the judiciary,” Atiku stated.