The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has challenged President Bola Tinubu to face its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in a free and fair election in 2027 rather than rely on what it described as judicial manoeuvres to weaken the opposition.
The party made the call in a statement on Tuesday while reacting to the Federal High Court judgment that nullified the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC and invalidated the process that produced Atiku as its presidential candidate.
The opposition party said it had appealed the judgment, adding that the matter was now before the Court of Appeal.
The ADC also questioned the reassignment of the case from Justice Emeka Nwite, who had commenced hearing it, to Justice Peter Lifu.
According to the party, it had formally protested the transfer to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, but the case was subsequently assigned to Justice Lifu.
The party accused the court’s leadership of bias and described the judgment as unacceptable.
It said its lawyers had presented the legal issues before the Court of Appeal but insisted that Nigerians also deserved to know the circumstances surrounding the transfer of the case.
“The ruling APC should be bold enough to face Atiku Abubakar on the political battleground and answer for the hardship Nigerians endure. The hallowed chambers of our courts must not be turned into arenas for political combat,” the party said.
The ADC further urged Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to test their popularity at the ballot box rather than engage in what it called courtroom manoeuvres against political opponents.
It added that Nigerians should be allowed to choose their leaders in a credible election without intimidation or interference.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is awaiting the outcome of the appeal amid the dispute over the party’s leadership and presidential candidacy.
