Former members of Nigeria’s National Assembly have distanced themselves from a lawsuit seeking to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), calling the legal action fraudulent and unauthorized.
In a statement signed by several ex-lawmakers, they said they were not aware of the suit filed at the Federal High Court and warned that the case was being pushed by people pretending to represent them.
The group condemned the attempt to use the names of former legislators for what they described as a selfish political move. They argued that since 1999, over 5,000 former senators and House of Representatives members have served the country, making it ridiculous for a small group to claim they speak for all past lawmakers.
They stressed that the legislature operates on tradition, hierarchy, seniority, and proven parliamentary service. According to them, individuals with no legitimacy or recognition among former legislators cannot speak on their behalf.
The former lawmakers specifically accused Hon. Nnanna Igbokwe, who has been acting as the National Coordinator of the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), of impersonation. They claimed his executive committee was never elected, endorsed, or acknowledged by any official gathering of ex-legislators.
They stated that no meeting, congress, or decision was ever held to approve a legal case against the ADC, calling the lawsuit illegal and misleading. They also hinted that certain political interests—including persons within the leadership of the House of Representatives and senior government officials—may be backing the controversial suit.
According to them, the move is part of a broader plan to weaken Nigeria’s multiparty democracy and gradually push the country toward a one-party system. They vowed to resist any such attempt through lawful democratic measures.
Describing the lawsuit as a waste of the court’s time, they urged the judiciary to strike it out immediately.
The statement reaffirmed the group’s support for a strong multiparty system, respect for legislative traditions, and the protection of opposition parties. They firmly rejected the individuals behind the lawsuit and the alleged attempt to silence dissenting voices.
The statement was signed by several former lawmakers, including Linus Okorie, Mohammed Soba, Nnenna Elendu Ukeje, Zakari Mohammed, Tom Zakari, Bassey Ewah, Aminu Shehu Shagari, Chika Adamu, Sergius Ogun, Sam Okwu, Herman Hembe, Sadiq Ibrahim, Abiodun Supo, Kamil Akinlabi, Adetunji Tajudeen Ajagbe, Mayor Eze, Rufus Omiri, and Nko Nkole, among others
