2027 Presidential Candidate Welcomes Appeal Court Verdict Staying Execution of Judgment Against ADC, Four Other Parties

The Former Vice President and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) 2027 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has welcomed the decision of the Court of Appeal to stay the execution of the Federal High Court judgment that sought the deregistration of the ADC and four other political parties.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Atiku described the appellate court's ruling as a positive development for Nigeria's democracy and the rule of law, noting that it was particularly significant that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) itself initiated the application for the stay of execution.

According to him, the decision provides temporary relief against what he described as attempts capable of undermining the nation's multiparty democratic system.

Atiku expressed concern over what he termed the growing trend of conflicting judicial pronouncements and politically charged rulings, warning that such developments have subjected the judiciary to increased public scrutiny and diminished public confidence in the nation's justice system.

Quoting the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, the former Vice President stated that the judiciary itself is now facing a critical test of its credibility and independence.

He further cautioned against any effort to weaken Nigeria's democratic institutions through judicial manipulation, describing such actions as a serious threat to the country's hard-earned democratic gains.

"Any attempt to undermine Nigeria's hard-won democracy through judicial manipulation is a grave danger to the Republic. If our democracy suffers further injury, history will demand accountability from those entrusted with dispensing justice," Atiku said.

The former presidential candidate urged the judiciary to seize the opportunity presented by the ongoing legal process to reaffirm its commitment to constitutionalism, the rule of law, and the protection of democratic values.

He maintained that the courts must remain impartial arbiters of justice and act in a manner that strengthens public trust in democratic governance.

The Court of Appeal's decision has effectively halted the implementation of the Federal High Court judgment pending the determination of the substantive appeal, providing a temporary reprieve for the affected political parties.