A group of former members of Nigeria’s National Assembly has denounced a lawsuit seeking to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a political party, calling the move fraudulent and unauthorized. The former lawmakers claim they have no knowledge of the suit filed at the Federal High Court and assert that the court is being misled by individuals with no mandate to represent them.

In a statement, the former legislators emphasized that the suit is a self-serving political agenda that they neither authorized nor support. They noted that over 5,000 Senators and members of the House of Representatives have served Nigeria since 1999, making it absurd for a small group to claim representation of such a large and diverse body.

The former lawmakers specifically accused Hon. Nnanna Igbokwe, who claims to be the National Coordinator of the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), of impersonation. According to them, his executive committee was never elected, endorsed, or recognized by any legitimate gathering of former lawmakers.

The statement alleged that the lawsuit is secretly supported by political actors, including figures within the leadership of the House of Representatives and top government officials in Abuja. The former lawmakers view the suit as part of a broader attempt to weaken multiparty democracy and push the country toward a one-party state.

The group urged the court to dismiss the lawsuit immediately, describing it as a waste of judicial time. They reaffirmed their commitment to a vibrant multiparty system, respect for legislative institutions, and the protection of opposition parties.

The statement was signed by several former lawmakers, including Hon. Linus Okorie, Hon. Mohammed Soba, and Hon. Nnenna Elendu Ukeje, among others. The development highlights the ongoing challenges facing Nigeria’s political landscape, where attempts to undermine opposition parties and manipulate the democratic process have become increasingly common.

The former lawmakers’ rejection of the lawsuit is significant, as it underscores the importance of protecting Nigeria’s democratic institutions and ensuring that the political process is not hijacked by self-serving interests. As the case progresses, it remains to be seen how the court will respond to the allegations of misrepresentation and the calls to dismiss the lawsuit.