Two support groups of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have condemned a recent court judgment affecting the party, describing it as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and issuing a one-week ultimatum for what they termed a reversal of the decision or other actions affecting the party.
In a joint press statement issued on Friday, the NDC Concern Youth and the NDC Coalition Alliance Network (NDC-CAN) expressed concern that the judgment could weaken political participation and democratic institutions if allowed to stand.
The statement was signed by Zakari Garba and Emeka Louis on behalf of the NDC Concern Youth and NDC Coalition Alliance Network (NDC-CAN).
The groups stated, “We jointly condemn the recent court judgement concerning the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Party, which we believe raises serious concerns about the protection of democratic values, political participation, and the rule of law in Nigeria.”
They argued that democracy belongs to the people and stressed that all actions within the political space should respect constitutional rights and freedoms.
According to the statement, “The Constitution guarantees citizens the right to peaceful assembly and association under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), including the freedom to form and belong to political associations and parties.”
The groups maintained that any action capable of weakening political participation or destabilising democratic institutions would threaten the country’s democratic foundation.
They also reminded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its constitutional responsibility to regulate political parties and oversee electoral processes in accordance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and its regulations.
The statement further warned that the development could affect Nigeria’s democratic image internationally.
“The recent development concerning the NDC Party has generated serious concerns among Nigerians and democratic stakeholders. We call on the present administration to understand that any action perceived as undermining democratic institutions and political participation risks tarnishing the image of Nigeria before the international community,” the groups said.
The organisations declared that Nigerian youths would continue to defend democracy through lawful means.
“The Nigerian youth represent the largest and most active segment of our population. The youth of this country will never allow democracy to vanish or be weakened. We remain committed to defending democratic values through lawful and peaceful means,” the statement added.
Claiming to have over 100,000 members nationwide, NDC-CAN announced a one-week ultimatum for authorities to address its concerns.
“Failure to address these concerns within the stated period will compel NDC-CAN, NDC Concern Youth, and concerned citizens to commence a peaceful nationwide protest in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and relevant INEC guidelines,” the groups stated.
They also appealed to international organisations, civil society groups, political parties, and other stakeholders to monitor developments and support efforts to protect democratic principles.
