A coalition of former federal lawmakers has distanced itself from a controversial lawsuit seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning that the action was filed without approval and in blatant violation of parliamentary tradition.
The group stated that those behind the suit were attempting to exploit the reputations of former legislators for purposes unrelated to national interest.
In a strongly worded statement, the Concerned Former Members of the National Assembly said the suit was the handiwork of a small circle of self-appointed individuals who neither possess legitimacy nor represent the more than 5,000 former lawmakers produced since the return of democracy in 1999.
The group explained that no meeting, vote, or congress of former legislators ever discussed or authorised legal action against the party, describing the move as “fraudulent” and “provocative”.
According to the statement, “The idea that a handful of late-entry legislators can speak for thousands of former parliamentarians across ten assemblies is insulting and completely unacceptable.”
They argued that the legislative community operates on seniority, longstanding tradition, and parliamentary record, which cannot be overridden by what they described as political opportunism.
The former lawmakers also dismissed Hon. Nnanna Igbokwe, who has been parading himself as the National Coordinator of the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), saying his leadership claim has no backing within the community of ex-parliamentarians.
They maintained that his purported executive committee was never elected or endorsed by any recognised forum of former lawmakers.
“It is nothing more than a handpicked clique attempting to use the identity of former legislators for undisclosed political ends,” the statement added.
Furthermore, the group alleged that the lawsuit was a political special-purpose vehicle fueled by personal gain and encouraged by powerful figures within the political establishment.
They warned that the agenda behind the suit aligns with attempts to shrink Nigeria’s political space and push the country toward a de facto one-party structure.
Also, they urged the judiciary to dismiss the case immediately, describing it as frivolous, misleading, and a waste of judicial resources.
“Courts should not be misled into entertaining a suit founded on misrepresentation and political manipulation,” the group said.
Reaffirming their commitment to democratic pluralism, the former lawmakers said they would oppose any initiative aimed at undermining multiparty politics or silencing legitimate opposition voices.
The statement was electronically signed by Hon. Linus Okorie, Hon. Mohammed Soba, Hon. Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje, Hon. Zakari Mohammed, Hon. Tom Zakari, Hon. Bassey Ewah, Hon. Aminu Shehu Shagari, Hon. Chika Adamu, Hon. Sergius O. Ogun, Hon. Sam Okwu, Hon. Herman Hembe, Hon. Sadiq Ibrahim, Hon. Abiodun Supo, Hon. Kamil Mudashir Akinlabi, Hon. Adetunji Tajudeen Ajagbe, Hon. Mayor Eze, Hon. Rufus Omiri, and Hon. Nko Nkole.
They concluded by rejecting both the suit and the individuals behind it, insisting that Nigeria’s political destiny must be shaped by elections rather than “contrived litigation.”