RismadarVoice Reporters
June 16, 2026
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has welcomed the decision of the Court of Appeal to stay the execution of the Federal High Court judgment seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties.
Reacting to the development, Atiku described the appellate court’s intervention as a positive step in safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic process, noting that it was particularly significant that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) initiated the application that led to the stay of execution.
The former presidential candidate said the decision offers reassurance for the country’s multiparty democracy and the constitutional rights of political parties to participate in the electoral process.
Atiku, however, expressed concern over what he described as conflicting judicial pronouncements and politically sensitive rulings that have increasingly drawn public attention to the judiciary.
According to him, recent developments within the judicial system have subjected the nation’s courts to heightened scrutiny and raised questions about public confidence in the administration of justice.
The former Vice President warned that any attempt to weaken democratic institutions through judicial means would pose a serious threat to the country’s democratic stability.
He cited remarks by the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, who reportedly observed that the judiciary itself had become the subject of public evaluation because of controversial court decisions.
He stressed that Nigeria’s democracy was built through years of struggle and sacrifice and should not be endangered by actions capable of undermining the rule of law and constitutional governance.
Atiku further stated that history would hold accountable individuals and institutions entrusted with the responsibility of dispensing justice if democratic principles are compromised.
He urged the judiciary to remain steadfast in upholding the Constitution, protecting the rule of law, and defending the rights of Nigerians.
According to him, the courts still have an opportunity to strengthen public trust by demonstrating independence, fairness, and fidelity to constitutional principles.
The Court of Appeal’s order temporarily halts the enforcement of the Federal High Court judgment pending the determination of issues surrounding the proposed deregistration of the affected political parties.
