By Ibrahim Muhammad Kano The Kwankwasiyya Movement has expressed deep concern over the Federal High Court judgment delivered on ...
By Ibrahim Muhammad Kano
The Kwankwasiyya Movement has expressed deep concern over the Federal High Court judgment delivered on November 5, 2026, which invalidated the David Mark-led caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and nullified actions taken under its authority, including the process that produced Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the party's presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
In a press statement signed by its Spokesperson, Dr. Habibu Sale Mohammed, the Movement said while it recognises the constitutional authority of the judiciary to adjudicate disputes and insists that political parties must operate within the law, it is worried that persistent legal battles over opposition party leadership and candidate nominations are creating uncertainty around the ability of opposition parties to organise and prepare for the forthcoming elections.
The Movement said Nigeria's democracy must be built on political pluralism, institutional independence, equal treatment before the law and protection of citizens' rights to associate and participate in the electoral process, adding that these principles must not be compromised regardless of party or individuals involved.
It noted that at a time when parties should be consolidating structures and preparing for credible elections, prolonged leadership disputes and conflicting legal interpretations could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and weaken the democratic space.
The Movement therefore called for judicial independence and due process, urging the judiciary to discharge its responsibilities with the highest standards of independence, impartiality, transparency and diligence.
It also called for the protection of opposition parties, saying the Federal Government must demonstrate through its conduct an unequivocal commitment to political pluralism and must not tolerate or benefit from any action that undermines legitimate activities of opposition parties.
On the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Movement demanded strict impartiality, saying the commission must be guided by the law and valid court orders and ensure no faction receives preferential administrative treatment.
It further urged respect for the appellate process, acknowledging the ADC's intention to challenge the judgment, and called on all parties to pursue legal remedies peacefully without intimidation or political interference.
The Movement warned that the uncertainty surrounding ADC's leadership should not translate into disenfranchisement of party members, aspirants and millions of Nigerians who expect a competitive and credible election in 2027.
"Democracy cannot thrive where political competition is weakened by institutional uncertainty, selective application of the law or the perception that state institutions are being deployed for partisan advantage," the statement said.
"We are not asking the courts to favour any political party or individual. We are asking that justice be done fairly, consistently and without fear or favour."
The Movement stressed that Nigeria belongs to all citizens irrespective of political affiliation and that the responsibility to protect democracy rests on the judiciary, INEC, government, political parties and every stakeholder.
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