A group of former federal lawmakers has distanced itself from the court case seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the move as fraudulent, unauthorized, and initiated by individuals they labeled as impostors.

In a jointly signed statement, the former legislators said they were unaware of the suit filed at the Federal High Court, warning that the judiciary was being deceived by people who have no mandate to act on behalf of ex-parliamentarians.

“We strongly denounce the attempt to misuse the identities and credibility of former lawmakers to drive a personal political agenda that we neither approved nor support,” the statement said.

They noted that since 1999, more than 5,000 Senators and House of Representatives members have served the country, making it “ridiculous and disrespectful” for a small faction to claim to represent such a wide and diverse community.

They emphasized that the legislature operates on seniority, hierarchy, parliamentary track record, and long-standing tradition. According to them, values such as experience, ranking, committee roles, and years of national service cannot be reduced or overridden by individuals lacking legitimacy and historical ties to the institution.

“To claim that a handful of self-appointed persons represent thousands of former lawmakers is deceptive, provocative, and totally unacceptable,” the statement added.

The group specifically pointed to Hon. Nnanna Igbokwe, who has been parading himself as National Coordinator of the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), accusing him of impersonation. They insisted that his executive committee was never elected, endorsed, or recognized by any formal assembly of former lawmakers.

They described his alleged leadership as nothing more than a small clique seeking to exploit the reputation of ex-legislators.

The former lawmakers stressed that no congress, meeting, vote, or discussion was ever held to authorize the lawsuit against the ADC, calling it an illegitimate and misleading action.

They further alleged that the suit may be receiving covert support from certain political actors, including individuals within the leadership of the House of Representatives and top government officials in Abuja.

According to them, the case forms part of a broader effort to weaken multiparty democracy and push Nigeria toward a one-party system. They vowed to resist any such agenda through lawful democratic means.

Calling the legal action a waste of judicial resources, they urged the court to dismiss the matter immediately.

“We urge the judiciary to recognize the misrepresentation underlying this case and strike it out without hesitation,” they stated.

The former lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to a strong multiparty system, protection of legislative institutions, and safeguarding of opposition parties.

“We reject this plot, we reject the impostors, and we reject any attempt to stifle the voice of the opposition,” the statement concluded.

Those who signed the statement include 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.