Kwankwasiyya Movement raises alarm over ADC judgment, demands protection of democratic space

From Desmond Mgboh, Kano

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has expressed deep concern over the Federal High Court’s judgment delivered on November 5, 2026, which invalidated the David Mark-led caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the actions taken under its authority.

In a press statement signed by its spokesperson, Habibu Sale Mohammed, the movement said that while it recognised the constitutional authority of the judiciary to adjudicate disputes, it was worried that persistent legal battles over opposition party leadership and candidate nominations were weakening the ability of opposition parties to organise and prepare for elections.

The movement said Nigeria’s democracy must be built on political pluralism, institutional independence, equal treatment before the law, and protection of citizens’ rights to associate and participate in the electoral process.

It warned that prolonged leadership disputes and conflicting legal interpretations, at a time when parties should be consolidating structures for credible elections, could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and shrink the democratic space.

The movement therefore called on the judiciary to discharge its constitutional responsibilities with the highest standards of independence, impartiality, transparency and diligence, insisting that every party to a political dispute deserves a fair hearing.

It stressed that every judgment must be grounded in law, the evidence presented, and applicable constitutional and statutory provisions, and not on any extraneous consideration.

The movement urged the Federal Government to demonstrate, through its conduct and the actions of relevant institutions, an unequivocal commitment to political pluralism and not to tolerate or benefit from any action that could undermine the legitimate activities of opposition parties.

It also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain strictly impartial and guided by law and valid court orders, ensuring that no political faction receives preferential administrative treatment.

[EDITORIAL FLAG: The original reads “the Federal High Courts judgment”. It has been corrected to “the Federal High Court’s judgment”, on the assumption that a single court is meant.]