The United Friends for Atiku (UFFA) has warned that Nigeria’s democracy is dealing with a critical menace following the Federal High Court judgment invalidating the management of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and affecting the get together’s candidates, together with the presidential nomination of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The group mentioned the event may undermine democratic competitors and public confidence within the electoral course of if political disputes had been allowed to be resolved by way of what it described because the weaponisation of judicial and state establishments.
Addressing a press convention in Abuja on Thursday, November 5, 2026, UFFA National Leadership, by way of its National Leader, Alhaji Aliyu Audu, described the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu as a harmful improvement able to narrowing Nigeria’s democratic house.
The group, nonetheless, clarified that its place was not an try to put political events or their leaders above the regulation, however a name for equity, judicial independence and the safety of democratic participation.
It questioned the implications of permitting judicial controversies to find out the political decisions obtainable to Nigerians earlier than election day.
According to UFFA, democracy goes past voting, because it additionally ensures residents the suitable to decide on amongst credible political options.
The group expressed specific concern over what it described as conflicting judgments in regards to the ADC management, citing an earlier ruling delivered by Justice Musa Liman on July 2, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025, which it mentioned affirmed the management of Senator David Mark.
It urged the appellate courts to urgently study the conflicting judicial choices, warning that permitting such disputes to persist may weaken public confidence within the administration of justice.
UFFA additional accused the incumbent administration of benefiting from the shrinking of opposition political house, arguing that democratic erosion may happen by way of the gradual weakening of establishments and the elimination of credible political options.
The organisation maintained that official disputes in regards to the ADC’s management ought to be resolved by way of constitutionally recognised processes, with out undermining the political rights of aspirants and voters.
It consequently known as on the Judiciary to guard its independence and be certain that courts weren’t used as devices of political elimination.
The group additionally urged the Court of Appeal to accord any attraction arising from the judgment pressing consideration.
It known as on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to discharge its obligations in accordance with the Constitution and last judicial choices, with out political interference.
In addition, UFFA appealed to the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, the United States, United Kingdom and European Union to intently monitor developments in Nigeria and maintain the federal government accountable to worldwide democratic requirements.
It warned that the implications of the disaster may prolong past Nigeria, given the nation’s strategic significance to peace and stability within the West African sub-region.
While urging Nigerians to stay peaceable and dedicated to constitutional democracy, the group warned the federal government in opposition to pushing residents to the purpose of frustration by way of what it described as makes an attempt to disclaim them their electoral decisions.
“When a goat is pushed to the wall, it fights back, even against its owner,” the assertion mentioned, cautioning in opposition to actions able to upsetting public discontent.
UFFA concluded by insisting that Nigeria’s democracy should stay open to political competitors, stressing that no authorities ought to decide the alternatives obtainable to the voters.
It mentioned the Nigerian folks, somewhat than political pursuits or institutional manoeuvres, should finally resolve the nation’s political future.
We’ve bought the sting. Get real-time experiences, breaking scoops, and unique angles delivered straight to your cellphone. Don’t accept stale information. Join LEADERSHIP NEWS on WhatsApp for twenty-four/7 updates →
