Political activist Aisha Yesufu has decried the Abuja Federal High Court’s order deregistering the African Democratic Congress, Accord Party, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party, and Zenith Labour Party, stating that democracy is under attack.
Yesufu described the development as nothing short of a brazen attempt to strangle the opposition and hand Nigeria over to a one-party state by judicial fiat, noting that the assault on democracy must not be allowed to stand.
“I have fought for democracy my entire adult life. I stood on the streets for #BringBackOurGirls, I have spoken truth to power under different administrations, and I entered partisan politics because I believe in a Nigeria where citizens have real choices and not a predetermined outcome.
“Today, I condemn in the strongest possible terms the Federal High Court judgment that seeks to deregister ADC, Accord Party, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party, and Zenith Labour Party,” she stated.
Yesufu argued that Section 225A of the Constitution was never intended to be a weapon for eliminating opposition voices, lamenting that the judiciary is once again showing that it is a willing tool for perpetuating injustice instead of enforcing justice.
“To INEC and the forces behind this judgment, Nigerians have endured too much economic hardship, insecurity, and broken promises to now accept the death of democracy. This democracy we now enjoy was made possible by the sacrifices of a lot of Nigerians, some of whom paid the ultimate price. They gave their lives for Nigeria to be a democratic nation,” she said.
The activist urged Nigerians not to remain silent, stressing that this is not about the ADC or any single party.
She explained that it is about whether Nigeria will remain a democracy or slide into authoritarian rule, where only one voice is permitted.
“Raise your voices. Demand that INEC respects the will of the people and that the judiciary stops being used as a tool for political elimination,” Yesufu advised.
She emphasised that democracy is not a gift from those in power but a right that must be defended every single day.
“I stand with every Nigerian who believes in choice, in competition of ideas, and in a future where no one can simply deregister the opposition out of existence,” she added.
