The African Democratic Congress (ADC) issued a stern warning on Thursday, November 5, 2026, cautioning the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against setting Nigeria on fire in its desperation to retain power ahead of the 2027 general elections. ​The warning came in an official press statement released at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi. ​
The opposition party formally rejected a ruling delivered earlier on Thursday by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The judgment reportedly aimed to nullify the ADC leadership led by Senator David Mark and invalidate the presidential candidacy of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. ​
According to the ADC, the judicial verdict represents a deliberate attempt by the ruling party to deploy judicial controversies to weaken opposition platforms whenever they gain political momentum. Party officials noted that the judgment coincided with a massive opposition campaign rally held on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in Sokoto. ​
Addressing journalists and political observers in Abuja, Abdullahi warned that national stability must not be sacrificed for political ambitions: ​”We warn the APC: do not play with fires you cannot control. The peace and stability of Nigeria are bigger than the ambition of any president or political party. Nobody should be so desperate to retain power that they are prepared to put the entire country at risk.”
​The ADC spokesperson directly challenged President Bola Tinubu and the APC to test their popularity in a fair contest rather than relying on legal maneuvers: ​”Nigeria belongs to Nigerians, not to the APC. The presidency is not an inheritance. If the President thinks he has performed well in office, why is he afraid of competition? If the APC thinks that its policies and candidates are popular, why don’t they subject themselves to free and fair elections?” ​
The ADC urged members of the bench to protect their independence and resist attempts to impose what it described as a virtual dictatorship on the nation. ​The party confirmed it is heading to the Court of Appeal to challenge Justice Lifu’s judgment, while calling on its supporters across Nigeria to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding as legal processes unfold.
