ADC Crisis: Makinde Warns Tinubu Against Undermining Nigeria’s Democratic Institutions

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to protect Nigeria’s democratic institutions and stop actions that could undermine opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Makinde made the appeal while reacting to the Federal High Court judgment nullifying the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President David Mark.

The governor, who is the 2027 presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), spoke during an interview with Bauchi Radio Broadcasting, shared on the Instagram account of Oyo Affairs on Friday.

He warned that political leaders should not use government institutions to weaken opposition parties, stressing that those seeking electoral victory should earn it through a fair contest.

Makinde said the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must be allowed to operate independently to protect the country’s democratic process.

“I just want to appeal to the present administration. Government will come and go, country will remain. They should please not destroy our institutions, be it the judiciary or the INEC that is supposed to be independent and saddled with the responsibility of conducting a free and fair election. They must stop trying to shut out the opposition,” he said.

The governor’s comments followed a Federal High Court judgment delivered on Thursday, November 5, which nullified the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC and invalidated decisions taken by the party under the disputed leadership.

The case was instituted by Nafiu Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the ADC, who challenged the process through which Mark and other members of the party’s caretaker committee assumed leadership.

The judgment also affected the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, including the process that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate.

However, the ADC rejected the ruling and subsequently filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal. The party also applied for a stay of execution and urged INEC to refrain from taking consequential action while the legal challenge remains pending.

Makinde further appealed to Nigerians not to lose confidence in the country despite the economic and other challenges confronting the nation.

He acknowledged the difficulties facing citizens but expressed optimism that the challenges could be overcome if Nigerians remained committed to the country’s progress.

“And lastly, I want to also say to Nigerians. Please, don’t give up on this country. Yes, we are passing through challenges, we are faced with a lot of issues. But those issues, those challenges, they are surmountable. So please try your best, do your own bit. And tomorrow will be a better day for us as a Nation,” he added.

The governor’s remarks come as political activities and legal disputes surrounding opposition parties continue ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The ADC leadership dispute has attracted attention because of its potential implications for the party’s leadership structure, electoral preparations and the political ambitions of its presidential candidate.

With the party challenging the judgment in court, the final resolution of the dispute will depend on the outcome of the ongoing legal process.