Move to deregister NDC shows Tinubu fears free and fair elections – Atiku

The former vice president and a candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has strongly criticized the decision of the Federal High Court that struck down the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), claiming that it is part of the plot hatched by President Bola Tinubu to introduce a one-party system of governance in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

According to Atiku, in a statement released through his media office on Saturday, the act of disqualifying the NDC from registration using the courts is against the wishes of Nigerians and the fear of President Bola Tinubu of conducting a free and fair election in 2027.

Atiku’s response was in reaction to the Friday’s verdict of the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State that struck down its earlier ruling to direct the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party.

The judge Isah Dashen observed that the judgment by the court on December 10, 2025, had adversely impacted the interests of the Peace Movement Party (PMP) as it was not made a party to the case even after its claims over the ownership of the logo used in securing the judgment.

On receiving the judgment, Atiku noted that he was not shocked with the developments and warned that if opposition political parties are weakened through judicial processes, the stability of the Nigerian democracy will be at stake.

He stated that the democratic process of holding free, fair, and credible elections is what sustains the democracy of any country.

“Nigerians are now seeing the true colours of President Tinubu, who pretends to be a democrat, but his body language and the sinister activities of his agents contradict his mouthed commitment to free and fair elections,” Atiku said.

The former Vice President urged Tinubu to emulate former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan, noting that despite political differences, neither administration deregistered opposition parties.

“If you’re truly popular and your policies have positively bettered the lives of the citizens, you shouldn’t be afraid of a free and fair competition,” he said.

Atiku further stated that Tinubu “cannot be a champion of democracy under military dictatorship and now become the worst enemy of everything that democracy stands for.”

“You can’t attempt to rule the people against their will and still pretend that you’re committed to free and fair elections in 2027,” he added.

The ADC presidential candidate also appealed to members of the judiciary to resist political pressure and safeguard the integrity of the courts.

He said governments are temporary, but institutions must remain strong and credible.

According to Atiku, while many judges have upheld the principles of justice, some have allowed themselves to become instruments in the hands of politicians.

“Governments will come and go. Hence, the judiciary must guard her integrity as the last hope of the masses. Don’t allow unscrupulous politicians to stain your reputation for their own short-term gain at the expense of justice.

“The judiciary is the last hope of the people. Let’s avoid anything that is capable of ruining the credibility and reputation of our courts; not for a messy pot of pottage or love of lucre.

“There are great judges in Nigeria, but the unchecked excesses of some who allow themselves to become judicial swords in the hands of politicians are capable of damaging the larger image of the judiciary,” he said.