ADC Reacts to Court Order on Deregistration

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected a Federal High Court judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the party and four others, describing the ruling as a threat to democratic pluralism and an attempt to weaken opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja had ordered INEC to deregister the ADC, Accord Party, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance and Zenith Labour Party, citing alleged failure to meet constitutional and electoral requirements contained in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

The judgment followed a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that political parties that failed to meet prescribed electoral performance thresholds should be removed from the electoral register. The group maintained that parties are required to secure at least 25 per cent of votes in a state during a presidential election or win elective positions to justify continued registration.

Reacting to the ruling, the ADC, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi, described the decision as unconstitutional and inconsistent with established legal precedents governing political party deregistration.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) wishes to warn, in the strongest possible terms, against any attempt to use the judiciary as an instrument to undermine democracy and plunge Nigeria into a major political crisis,” the party stated.

“We are deeply alarmed by the judgment reportedly delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a case filed by the so-called National Forum of Former Legislators seeking the de-registration of the ADC and four other political parties. This judgment stands in direct conflict with constitutional principles and all known judicial processes and procedures.”

The opposition party argued that INEC had defended its legal status before the court and maintained that the ADC remained compliant with all constitutional and statutory requirements necessary for political party registration and operation.

According to the party, the electoral commission informed the court that the ADC had neither violated any registration condition nor failed to satisfy constitutional requirements that would warrant deregistration.

The ADC further claimed that INEC had consistently maintained that political parties could only be deregistered on grounds expressly recognised by law and not on the basis of political pressure, public opinion or external interests.

Beyond the substance of the judgment, the party questioned the procedure that led to the ruling. It alleged that the Federal High Court proceeded with the matter despite an earlier order of the Court of Appeal issued on May 22, 2026, directing that proceedings be stayed pending further determination.

The party described the development as a violation of judicial hierarchy and due process.

“We are therefore left in no doubt that this latest development is a continuation of the ruling party’s persistent efforts to undermine the opposition, especially the ADC,” the statement said.

The ADC also expressed concern about the timing of the judgment, noting that it came shortly after the party concluded its primaries and intensified preparations for the 2027 general elections, including the presidential contest.

The party warned that removing a major opposition platform through what it described as judicial manoeuvring could undermine democratic competition and national political stability.

“Any attempt to eliminate the country’s major opposition party through judicial manoeuvring is a direct invitation to anarchy,” the statement added.

Describing the ruling as “reckless, provocative, and even incendiary,” the ADC argued that attempts to use state institutions to restrict political competition amounted to interference with the foundations of Nigeria’s democratic system.

The party maintained that the matter had moved beyond a dispute over party registration and now raised broader questions about the availability of genuine political alternatives for Nigerians ahead of the next election cycle.

“Let it be clearly stated: the ADC will not stand by while the democratic rights of millions of Nigerians are threatened. We reject any and all attempts to intimidate, suppress, deregister, or politically extinguish our party and other opposition parties through means that offend both the spirit and the letter of the Constitution.”

Reaffirming confidence in the rule of law, the party announced plans to challenge the judgment through all available legal channels while engaging democratic stakeholders across the country.

The ADC also alleged that the ruling formed part of a broader effort to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Make no mistake, this is another act of desperation by the ruling party and the government to hand President Tinubu a second term without contest. This will not work,” the party said.

It further disclosed plans to petition the National Judicial Council over the conduct of the trial judge, alleging misconduct capable of bringing the judiciary into disrepute.

While urging its members, supporters and coalition partners to remain peaceful and law-abiding, the party insisted that it would continue participating in the democratic process.

“Whatever it takes, the ADC will be on the ballot so long as the 2027 election is to hold,” the statement concluded.

The ADC and several opposition parties have repeatedly accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress of attempting to dominate the political landscape and weaken opposition voices. 

However, both the President and the APC have consistently denied claims that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party state, maintaining that a vibrant opposition remains essential to democratic development.

Source: Channels TV

Tags: #ADC #INEC #Politics