By Our Correspondent
I welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision to stay the execution of the Federal High Court judgment seeking the deregistration of our great party, the ADC, and four other political parties. It is particularly noteworthy that INEC itself initiated the application for the stay, underscoring the importance of due process and judicial caution in matters that directly affect Nigeria’s democratic system.
The disturbing spectacle of conflicting judicial pronouncements and politically sensitive rulings has subjected the judiciary to unprecedented public scrutiny. As the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, aptly stated, the judiciary itself is now on trial in the court of public opinion.
Any attempt to weaken Nigeria’s hard-earned democracy through judicial manipulation or actions perceived as politically motivated poses a serious threat to the Republic. Democracy thrives when institutions operate independently, fairly, and in strict adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law.
The Court of Appeal’s intervention offers renewed hope that justice will prevail and that democratic principles will be protected. The judiciary still has an opportunity to strengthen public confidence by remaining steadfast in its commitment to constitutionalism, fairness, and justice.
Nigeria’s democracy has been built through sacrifice, resilience, and the collective will of the people. It must not be undermined by decisions that could restrict political participation or weaken democratic competition. The ultimate responsibility of every institution is to safeguard the democratic rights of Nigerians and preserve the integrity of our constitutional order.
