“We Reject This Plot, We Reject the Impostors” — Former Lawmakers Denounce Fraudulent ADC Deregistration Suit, Say They Had No Knowledge or Authorization

Some former members of the National Assembly have denounced the lawsuit seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), calling it fraudulent, unauthorized, and driven by impostors.

In a statement signed by several ex-lawmakers, they said they were unaware of the suit filed at the Federal High Court and warned that the court was being misled by individuals with no mandate to speak on their behalf.

“We condemn, in the strongest terms, the attempt to use the name and reputation of former legislators to pursue a self-serving political agenda that we neither authorized nor support,” the statement said.

The lawmakers emphasized that since 1999, more than 5,000 Senators and House members have served Nigeria, making it insulting for a small group to claim representation of such a large and diverse body.

“The legislature is an institution built on seniority, hierarchy, parliamentary record, and long-standing tradition. Its culture recognizes experience, ranking, committee leadership, contributions on the floor, and years of national service. These conventions cannot be undermined by persons with no mandate, no legitimacy, and no historical grounding among parliamentary elders,” the statement read.

They said that claiming a few self-appointed individuals represent thousands of former lawmakers is fraudulent, provocative, and unacceptable. The former legislators specifically accused Hon. Nnanna Igbokwe, who presents himself as the National Coordinator of the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), of impersonation. They said his executive committee was never elected, endorsed, or recognized by any legitimate gathering of former lawmakers.

“His so-called exco is nothing more than a hand-assembled clique attempting to exploit the name of ex-legislators,” the statement added.

The lawmakers insisted that no congress, meeting, vote, or discussion authorized the lawsuit against the ADC and described the court action as illegal, unmandated, and misleading. They suggested the suit is being secretly supported by political actors, including figures in the leadership of the House of Representatives and senior government officials in Abuja.

They called the move part of a broader attempt to weaken multiparty democracy, saying, “This is a broader anti-democratic attempt to weaken Nigeria’s political space and push the country toward a one-party state. We will resist this agenda with every legitimate democratic tool available.”

Urging the court to dismiss the suit, they said, “We call on the judiciary to recognize the gross misrepresentation at the heart of this matter and strike out the suit without delay.”

The former lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to a vibrant multiparty system, respect for legislative institutions, and the protection of opposition parties. “We reject this plot. We reject the impostors. We reject the attempt to silence the opposition voice,” the statement concluded.

The statement was signed by former lawmakers including 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 Ogun, Hon. Sam Okwu, Hon. Herman Hembe, Hon. Sadiq Ibrahim, Hon. Abiodun Supo, Hon. Kamil Akinlabi, Hon. Adetunji Tajudeen Ajagbe, Hon. Mayor Eze, Hon. Rufus Omiri, and Hon. Nko Nkole, among others.