Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has warned that delays by the Supreme Court in delivering judgments on the leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress could threaten Nigeria’s democracy and the integrity of the 2027 elections.

Mr Abubakar, in a statement on Tuesday, said democracy in Nigeria was facing an existential threat, stressing the need for the judiciary to remain impartial.

“It is increasingly evident that Nigeria’s democracy, and indeed the integrity of the 2027 general elections, is in serious jeopardy,” Mr Abubakar said.

He, however, expressed hope that the judiciary would uphold Justice.

“Democracy itself is now facing an existential threat. However, I do not want to believe that the judiciary, long regarded as the last hope of the common man, would align with the ruling APC in any effort that could undermine or destroy our democratic foundations,” he added.

His comments came amid concerns raised in a letter by lawyers representing the ADC, which challenged the delayed judgment and urged transparency and adherence to due process.

According to the letter, the law firm led by Shuaibu Aruwa called for a timely judgment in a pending Supreme Court case involving former Senate President David Mark and others.

The firm warned that the continued delays could affect the party’s participation in next year’s elections.