Human rights activist and politician, Aisha Yesufu, has strongly condemned the court-ordered deregistration of five opposition political parties, warning that Nigeria is dangerously drifting toward a one-party state under the guise of judicial decisions.
In a fiery statement released on Tuesday, Yesufu described the Federal High Court’s decision affecting the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party, and Zenith Labour Party as a grave assault on democratic principles and political pluralism.
She argued that the move represents an orchestrated attempt to silence dissenting voices and weaken opposition forces ahead of future elections.
“This latest assault on our democracy must not be allowed to stand,” Yesufu declared. “The court-ordered deregistration of the ADC and other opposition parties is nothing short of a brazen attempt to strangle opposition and hand Nigeria over to a one-party state by judicial fiat.”
Recalling her long history of activism, Yesufu said she had dedicated her adult life to defending democratic ideals and citizens’ freedoms.
“I have fought for democracy my entire adult life,” she said. “I stood on the streets for #BringBackOurGirls, spoke truth to power under different administrations, and entered partisan politics because I believe in a Nigeria where citizens have real choices—not predetermined outcomes.”
The activist faulted the legal basis for the ruling, insisting that Section 225A of the Nigerian Constitution was never intended to become a tool for eliminating opposition parties.
According to her, the judgment reflects a troubling trend in which institutions meant to safeguard justice are instead being deployed for political ends.
“The judiciary is once again showing that it is a willing tool for perpetuating injustice instead of enforcing justice,” she stated.
Yesufu further warned that the decision threatens to erode hard-won democratic gains secured through years of struggle and sacrifice by Nigerians, including those who paid the ultimate price in the fight against authoritarianism.
Addressing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other actors she believes are connected to the development, she cautioned that Nigerians would resist any attempt to undermine democratic choice.
“Nigerians have endured too much economic hardship, insecurity, and broken promises to now accept the death of democracy,” she said.
She emphasized that democracy thrives on competition of ideas and warned that the country risks sliding into authoritarian rule if opposition voices are systematically silenced.
“This is not about ADC or any single political party,” Yesufu stressed. “This is about whether Nigeria will remain a democracy or slide into authoritarian rule where only one voice is permitted.”
Calling on citizens to remain vigilant, she urged Nigerians to speak out against any perceived efforts to weaken democratic institutions.
“Raise your voices. Demand that INEC respects the will of the people and that the judiciary stops being used as a tool for political elimination,” she urged.
Reaffirming her commitment to democratic ideals, Yesufu maintained that democracy is not a privilege granted by those in power but a right that citizens must actively defend.
Her comments come amid growing concerns over the health of Nigeria’s democracy, with critics warning that shrinking political space and weakening opposition could undermine the nation’s democratic future.