The Kwankwasiyya Movement has declared that the recent court judgment nullifying the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) will not deter its commitment to building what it described as a credible democratic alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Dr. Muhammad Sale Habibu, the movement expressed concern over the judgment that set aside an earlier court order directing the registration of the NDC as a political party.
Reaffirming the position of the movement’s leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the statement said Nigeria deserves a government built on justice, competence, equity, accountability, and the welfare of its citizens.
While acknowledging the constitutional role of the judiciary as the final arbiter of disputes, the movement said the judgment has raised serious concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process and the future of political pluralism.
According to the statement, the timing of the ruling, coming as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun implementing activities under the 2027 election timetable, has strengthened public suspicion that efforts may be underway to limit viable opposition platforms before the next general elections.
“The litigation has suddenly assumed renewed urgency precisely when INEC has commenced activities leading to party nominations and candidate submissions,” the statement read.
It added that Nigerians are justified in questioning whether the sequence of events is coincidental or part of a broader attempt to frustrate the emergence of a formidable opposition platform before the electoral process gains momentum.
The movement also pointed to what it described as unresolved legal questions surrounding the judgment, noting that legal experts have expressed differing opinions on whether a court that has delivered a final judgment has the jurisdiction to set aside its own decision, except under limited circumstances recognized by law.
It argued that such constitutional questions should ultimately be determined by the appellate courts in order to preserve public confidence in Nigeria’s judicial system.
Warning against what it described as a shrinking democratic space, the Kwankwasiyya Movement said prolonged legal uncertainty surrounding opposition parties poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
“Yesterday it was the ADC. Today it is the NDC. Tomorrow it could be any other opposition platform,” the statement said, warning that uncertainty over political participation during a crucial electoral period undermines democratic competition.
The group called on the judiciary to uphold its role as the last hope of the common man by ensuring justice is both done and seen to be done. It also urged INEC to act strictly within the provisions of the law and avoid actions capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
The movement further appealed to Nigerians, civil society organisations, professional bodies, and the international community to closely monitor developments, stressing that a healthy democracy depends on strong institutions, an independent judiciary, and genuine political competition.
It reaffirmed its commitment to the Nigeria Democratic Congress as a platform for democratic renewal and national transformation, expressing confidence that truth, justice, and the rule of law would ultimately prevail.
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