ABUJA, NIGERIA — A recent Federal High Court ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister the African Democratic Congress and four other political parties has continued to generate strong political reactions, with critics describing the development as controversial and potentially destabilizing to Nigeria’s democratic process.
In a strongly worded response, Hon. Kenneth Chibuogwu Gbandi, a diaspora leader of the ADC, dismissed the judgment as what he called a “judicial fishing expedition,” insisting that the attempt to deregister the party is “dead on arrival.” He argued that the ruling, reportedly delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, raises concerns about the neutrality of institutions and the potential misuse of legal processes in the country’s political environment.
Gbandi maintained that the ADC remains a fully established national political party with structures, leadership, members, and elected representatives across Nigeria, stressing that any attempt to question its legality or relevance would not succeed. He described the party as a growing political movement aimed at offering Nigerians an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
He further argued that the Nigerian Constitution clearly defines the conditions under which political parties can be deregistered, warning that such powers should not be applied in a manner that appears selective or politically motivated. According to him, political parties that remain active in elections and maintain nationwide structures cannot be abruptly removed from the political space without serious constitutional justification.
The ADC leader also accused unnamed political actors of attempting to use state institutions to weaken opposition platforms ahead of future elections, particularly the 2027 general polls. He warned that such actions, if perceived as politically motivated, could undermine public trust in democratic institutions and deepen tensions within the political system.
Gbandi criticized what he described as growing judicial involvement in politically sensitive matters, cautioning that courts must avoid actions that could be interpreted as interference in partisan struggles. He argued that the judiciary should remain impartial and restrained to preserve public confidence in democratic governance.
He also claimed that any attempt to weaken or destabilize the ADC would only strengthen the resolve of its members and supporters, insisting that the party would not be intimidated or silenced. According to him, recent political developments reflect a broader struggle over the future direction of Nigeria’s democracy.
The statement further warned that Nigeria’s democratic space must remain open and competitive, stressing that opposition parties should not be subjected to intimidation or exclusionary practices. Gbandi added that the outcome of future elections would ultimately be determined by the Nigerian electorate, not institutional or political maneuvering.
He concluded by reaffirming that the ADC would continue to position itself as a national platform for political change, insisting that efforts to deregister the party would ultimately fail.
