The African Democratic Congress has strongly rejected a Federal High Court ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the party and four others, describing the judgment as a dangerous threat to Nigeria’s democratic system.
Diaspora Digital Media reported that Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered INEC to deregister the ADC, Accord Party, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance and Zenith Labour Party over alleged failure to meet constitutional performance requirements.
The case was brought before the court by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that INEC was constitutionally obligated to remove parties that failed to achieve prescribed electoral benchmarks.
However, the ADC said the judgment contradicts both the law and INEC’s own position in court.
In a statement titled “You Are Playing With Fire”, the party accused unnamed government actors of attempting to use the judiciary to weaken opposition voices ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The African Democratic Congress wishes to warn, in the strongest possible terms, against any attempt to use the judiciary as a tool to undermine democracy and create a political crisis in Nigeria,” the statement read.
According to the party, INEC had clearly informed the court that the ADC had not breached any registration requirements and that there was no constitutional basis for its deregistration.
The party also argued that a Court of Appeal order issued on May 22, 2026, had directed that proceedings in the matter be suspended, making the latest judgment questionable.
“We have no doubt that this development is part of a sustained effort to weaken the opposition, particularly the ADC,” the party said.
The ADC questioned the timing of the ruling, noting that it came after the party had completed its primaries and was preparing candidates for the 2027 general elections.
It warned that removing a major opposition party through what it called judicial manoeuvring could have serious consequences for the country’s political stability.
“This ruling is reckless, provocative and deeply troubling,” the party stated. “Attempts to shrink the democratic space and deny Nigerians genuine political alternatives amount to playing with forces beyond political control.”
The party insisted the matter extends beyond its own future and touches on the broader issue of political freedom and electoral competition.
“It is now about whether Nigerians will be allowed to choose from credible alternatives in 2027,” the statement added.
The ADC vowed to challenge the ruling through all available legal channels while mobilising democratic stakeholders across the country.
It also announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council, accusing the trial judge of conduct capable of bringing the judiciary into disrepute.
The party further alleged that the move was designed to hand President Bola Tinubu an easier path to re-election in 2027.
“Make no mistake, this is another act of desperation aimed at securing a second term for President Tinubu without meaningful opposition. It will not succeed,” the statement said.
Despite the ruling, the ADC maintained that it remains committed to the democratic process and assured supporters that it would continue to defend its political rights.
“Whatever it takes, the ADC will be on the ballot in 2027, provided the election holds,” the party declared.
