DEFENDING MULTIPARTY DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA: A CALL FOR THE PROTECTION OF POLITICAL PLURALISM AND ELECTORAL JUSTICE
I totally condemn the recent judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), particularly at a time when some of these political parties have already concluded their primary elections and are preparing for the forthcoming general elections. According to reports, the judgment was delivered by Justice Peter Lifu in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators.
As a concerned citizen, human rights activist, and advocate of democratic governance, I consider this development deeply troubling, politically disruptive, and inconsistent with the spirit of constitutional democracy. While courts possess the authority to interpret the law, every judicial decision must also be examined against its broader implications for democratic participation, political inclusion, and electoral stability.
Nigeria operates a multiparty democratic system. The essence of democracy is not merely the conduct of elections but the existence of diverse political platforms through which citizens can freely express their political preferences. Any action capable of shrinking the democratic space, particularly on the eve of a major election, should be subjected to the highest level of scrutiny.
The timing of this judgment raises serious concerns. Political parties have invested significant resources in mobilization, membership recruitment, candidate selection, and campaign preparations. Millions of Nigerians have identified with these parties and have placed their hopes and aspirations in them. To remove such parties from the electoral process at this stage risks disenfranchising citizens and undermining public confidence in democratic institutions.
Democracy thrives when citizens are presented with choices. Democracy suffers when those choices are unnecessarily reduced. A healthy democracy should encourage political competition, ideological diversity, and robust participation rather than narrow the political landscape.
I therefore call on the affected political parties to immediately exercise their constitutional right of appeal and pursue all available legal remedies. The appellate courts must urgently review this matter in the interest of justice, fairness, and democratic stability.
I also call upon the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), civil society organizations, democracy advocates, youth groups, women-led organizations, labour unions, professional associations, and the media to rise in defence of Nigeria’s democratic space. Silence at moments such as this can have far-reaching consequences for the future of political participation in our country.
Furthermore, I respectfully urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to remain committed to democratic pluralism and to resist any political advice that may be perceived as encouraging the weakening of opposition parties or the narrowing of democratic competition. The strength of any democratic government is measured not by the weakness of its opponents but by its ability to compete fairly and govern effectively within a vibrant democratic environment.
Multiparty democracy has come to stay in Nigeria. It is a fundamental pillar of constitutional governance and must be protected by all democratic stakeholders regardless of political affiliation. The future of our democracy depends on strong institutions, independent courts, credible elections, and the unrestricted participation of citizens through political parties of their choice.
History has repeatedly shown that democratic progress is best achieved through inclusion rather than exclusion, participation rather than restriction, and dialogue rather than suppression. Nigeria must continue to move forward as a nation where political competition is encouraged, democratic rights are protected, and the will of the people remains supreme.
I therefore stand firmly in defence of political pluralism, electoral justice, constitutional democracy, and the right of Nigerians to freely choose from a wide range of political alternatives.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Long live constitutional democracy.
Long live multiparty democracy.
COMRADE SULEIMAN A. ABUBAKAR
Human Rights Activist, Peace Builder and Concerned Citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Sulexy5@Gmail.Com
Writing from Yerwa Fato, Maiduguri, Borno State, North-East Nigeria.
