Isaac Fayose ADC NDC comments warn that legal disputes have weakened both opposition parties ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election
Isaac Fayose, businessman and younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, has said the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, face bleak prospects ahead of the 2027 general election, arguing that legal disputes have significantly weakened both opposition parties.
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Fayose made the remarks during an appearance on Prime Time on Arise Television on Wednesday, where he expressed concern over what he described as the growing influence of the judiciary in Nigeria’s electoral process.
“Take a look at what they are doing to the opposition: the African Democratic Congress and the Nigeria Democratic Congress. They have taken them to square zero,” Fayose said.
The comments come amid legal challenges confronting both parties.
The Court of Appeal recently upheld a judgment restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from recognising state congresses conducted by committees appointed by the David Mark-led ADC leadership.
The ruling has intensified the party’s internal leadership dispute and complicated preparations for the 2027 elections.
The NDC is also facing uncertainty after a Federal High Court withdrew the legal recognition previously granted to the party, raising fresh questions over its organisational structure and its ability to field candidates if the issues remain unresolved.
Fayose predicted that the 2027 presidential election would ultimately be decided through litigation rather than at the ballot box.
“We’re looking to 2027, but it will still end up in court. We will have a coronation,” he said.
The businessman argued that repeated post-election legal disputes have eroded public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions and alleged that the courts now play an outsized role in determining electoral outcomes.
“There is nothing like INEC or democracy in Nigeria. What we have now is government of the court, by the court and for the court,” Fayose said.
Fayose also alleged that Nigeria is increasingly being governed by civilian leaders who exhibit authoritarian tendencies, although he did not provide evidence to support his broader claims regarding the judiciary or government housing projects for judges.
The comments add to growing political debate ahead of the 2027 general election, as opposition parties continue to grapple with leadership disputes, legal battles and efforts to reposition themselves for the next electoral cycle.
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Political analysts have noted that the outcome of the ongoing court cases could have significant implications for coalition-building and candidate selection before the polls.
