The Kwankwasiyya Movement has expressed deep concern over the recent court judgment that set aside an earlier ruling directing the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), describing the development as one that raises serious questions about Nigeria’s democratic process and political pluralism.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Dr. Habibu Sale Mohammed, the movement said it respects the constitutional role of the judiciary as the final arbiter of disputes but noted that the latest judgment has fueled public concerns over the shrinking democratic space ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
According to the statement, the timing of the ruling has generated widespread speculation, coming just as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced activities under the 2027 election timetable, including processes leading to party nominations and candidate submissions.
The movement argued that Nigerians are entitled to question whether the sequence of events is merely coincidental or part of a broader effort to frustrate the emergence of a strong opposition platform before the electoral process gains momentum.
It also highlighted the legal controversy surrounding the judgment, noting that respected legal practitioners have expressed differing opinions on whether a court that has delivered a final judgment possesses the jurisdiction to set aside its own decision, except in narrowly defined circumstances recognized by law.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement maintained that these legal questions should be transparently resolved by the appellate courts in the interest of preserving public confidence in the judiciary and protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“Yesterday it was ADC, today it is NDC. Tomorrow it could be any other opposition platform. Once judicial processes begin to create uncertainty around political participation at critical stages of the electoral calendar, the greatest casualty is democracy itself,” the statement said.
The movement stressed that democracy can only thrive where opposition parties are allowed to compete on a level playing field, with equal access to justice, adherence to due process, and institutions that command public confidence.
It therefore called on the judiciary to remain steadfast as the last hope of the common man by ensuring that justice is not only done but is seen to be done. It also urged INEC to act strictly within the confines of the law and avoid actions capable of prejudicing ongoing legal processes or undermining confidence in the electoral system.
The group further appealed to Nigerians, civil society organisations, professional bodies, and the international democratic community to closely monitor developments surrounding the matter, insisting that the health of Nigeria’s democracy depends on strong institutions, an independent judiciary, and genuine political competition.
Reaffirming its commitment to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, the Kwankwasiyya Movement said it remains resolute in supporting the party as a platform for democratic renewal and national transformation.
The statement also reiterated the position of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, whom it described as the movement’s leader and principal, that Nigeria deserves a government built on justice, competence, equity, accountability, and the welfare of its citizens.
It added that no judicial setback, political intimidation, or administrative obstacle would weaken its determination to offer Nigerians what it described as a credible democratic alternative.
The movement concluded by expressing confidence that truth, justice, and the rule of law would ultimately prevail, emphasizing that democracy is sustained by the courage of those who defend the people’s right to freely choose their leaders.