The Independent National Electoral Commission, has pushed back against efforts to strike the African Democratic Congress off the list of registered political parties, saying the move doesn’t meet the legal threshold.
The case, brought by a group known as the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators, is asking the court to deregister the party amid its ongoing internal crisis.
But INEC insists the request is weak and not grounded in the provisions of the law.
In its submission, the commission stressed that political parties cannot simply be removed based on pressure or political disagreements.
It argued that deregistration is strictly guided by constitutional rules, and any attempt to sidestep those requirements won’t hold up in court.
The legal battle is unfolding at a time when the ADC is already dealing with deep internal cracks.
A recent directive from the Supreme Court has further complicated matters, sending key figures in the party’s leadership dispute including David Mark back to the Federal High Court for further proceedings.
At the same time, the party has been losing ground politically. High-profile defections have hit its ranks, with figures like Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso moving to the Nigerian Democratic Congress, adding to the sense of instability.
For now, INEC’s stance suggests that, despite the turmoil, the ADC will remain a recognised party at least until the courts decide otherwise.
