Hundreds of protesters on Monday converged on the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court to register their opposition to what they described as an alleged scheme to deregister several opposition political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The demonstrators, who gathered under the umbrella of the Concerned Northern Nigeria Stakeholders, marched to the court premises located in the Wuse district, chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards with bold inscriptions such as “No Opposition, No Election,” “Tinubu, Let Our Democracy Breathe,” and “AGF Must Be Neutral.”
Their protest comes amid an ongoing legal battle involving the proposed deregistration of political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The protesters expressed concern that the legal move could significantly weaken opposition participation in Nigeria’s democratic process, warning that any attempt to eliminate political alternatives would undermine electoral credibility.
Security was tight at the venue, with heavily armed operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies deployed to maintain order. The operatives mounted barricades at the entrance of the court, preventing the protesters from gaining access to the premises.
Despite the restrictions, the demonstrators remained outside the court complex, where they addressed journalists and reiterated their demands for the protection of democratic institutions.
Speaking on behalf of the group, its leader, Banki Sharrif, accused the Federal Government of attempting to undermine the independence of both the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He called on President Bola Tinubu to refrain from any form of interference—direct or indirect—with the judicial process, warning that such actions could erode public confidence in the rule of law.
“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately cease all forms of interference, overt or covert, with the judiciary,” Sharrif said. “Courts must never be reduced to instruments of political engineering. The moment justice is manipulated, the nation itself is placed on trial.”
The group further argued that weakening opposition parties would signal a lack of confidence in the administration’s legitimacy. According to Sharrif, democracy thrives on competition, and any attempt to suppress opposing voices could have far-reaching consequences.
“A government that seeks to weaken opposition betrays a lack of confidence in its own legitimacy,” he said. “Democracy thrives on competition. Suppressing it is not strength; it is fear.”
The protesters emphasized that the existence of a vibrant opposition is fundamental to credible elections and democratic governance. They warned that elections conducted without viable opposition parties would lack legitimacy and could be perceived as predetermined outcomes.
“Elections without credible opposition are nothing more than staged exercises,” Sharrif stated. “Democracy demands fairness, openness, and equal opportunity for all political actors.”
He also raised concerns about the role of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, insisting that the office must remain neutral and not be used as a tool for political interests.
“The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation must remain firmly anchored in neutrality and the rule of law,” he said. “It must not be weaponised for political ends.”
According to the group, there are growing fears that administrative and legal mechanisms are being used to target parties with strong support bases in certain regions, particularly in Northern Nigeria. They cautioned that such actions could deepen political divisions and fuel tension across the country.
Sharrif warned that if the courts were seen to endorse such measures without strict adherence to due process, it could be interpreted as judicial backing for political exclusion, with potentially dangerous consequences.
“If the courts lend legitimacy to such actions without strict adherence to due process and substantive justice, it will be seen as judicial endorsement of political exclusion,” he said. “That path is dangerous, risks disenfranchisement, deepens division, and could trigger widespread unrest.”
The protest also highlighted broader concerns about the shrinking civic space and the perceived erosion of democratic safeguards. The group stressed that the survival of Nigeria’s democracy depends on maintaining an open political environment where diverse voices can be heard.
As the demonstration drew to a close, the protesters issued a warning about the fragility of public trust in the justice system. Sharrif noted that citizens’ confidence in legal institutions could quickly erode if the judiciary is perceived as lacking independence.
“Where the judiciary is perceived as an extension of the Executive, citizens inevitably lose faith in lawful remedies,” he said. “When courts fail, the streets become the courtroom. No nation survives such a breakdown without serious consequences.”
The protest comes against the backdrop of a lawsuit reportedly supported by the Attorney General, seeking the deregistration of several political parties on the grounds that they failed to meet constitutional and electoral requirements. The suit, filed by a group of former lawmakers, argues that the affected parties did not achieve the minimum performance thresholds required to remain registered under Nigerian law.
While the case continues to generate debate among legal experts and political stakeholders, Monday’s protest underscores growing public concern about its potential impact on Nigeria’s democratic framework.
Observers note that the outcome of the legal proceedings could have significant implications for political participation ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly if it results in a reduction of the number of registered parties.
As tensions around the issue continue to build, all eyes are now on the judiciary, whose handling of the case is expected to play a crucial role in shaping public perception of fairness, transparency, and the rule of law in Nigeria’s electoral process.
