The African Democratic Congress (ADC) 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 an attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democratic process through judicial means.
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja had 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 and electoral performance requirements under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022.
The case was instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which sought the deregistration of political parties that failed to meet stipulated electoral benchmarks, including winning at least one elective office or securing 25 per cent of votes in any state during a presidential election.
In a statement issued via its official X handle and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the ruling as unconstitutional, alarming, and contrary to established judicial precedents.
The party warned against what it termed the use of the judiciary to destabilise Nigeria’s democracy.
“We are deeply alarmed by the judgment reportedly delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja… This judgment stands in direct conflict with constitutional principles and all known judicial processes and procedures,” the statement read.
The ADC argued that INEC had previously maintained before the court that the party remained duly registered and compliant with all legal requirements for political participation. It added that the electoral body had stated that deregistration could only occur under strictly defined legal conditions.
According to the party, INEC insisted that political parties cannot be deregistered based on political considerations, public pressure, or external influence, but only in line with constitutional provisions.
The ADC also raised procedural concerns, alleging that the court proceeded with the matter despite an existing order of the Court of Appeal issued on May 22, 2026, which directed a stay of proceedings.
The party described the development as a breach of judicial hierarchy and due process.
It further alleged that the timing of the judgment was suspicious, coming shortly after the party concluded its primaries and began preparations for the 2027 general elections, including the presidential race.
“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 warned that any attempt to eliminate major opposition parties through judicial processes could destabilise the country’s democratic system.
“Any attempt to eliminate the country’s major opposition party through judicial manoeuvring… is a direct invitation to anarchy,” it stated.
The party described the ruling as “reckless, provocative, and incendiary,” insisting that Nigeria must remain a multiparty democracy where citizens are presented with genuine political alternatives.
It added that it would not accept any attempt to suppress, intimidate, or deregister opposition parties outside constitutional provisions.
“Let it be clearly stated: the ADC will not stand by while the democratic rights of millions of Nigerians are threatened,” it said.
Reaffirming its commitment to due process, the party said it would challenge the judgment through all available legal and constitutional channels, including a petition to the National Judicial Council over alleged judicial misconduct.
The ADC also called on its members and supporters nationwide to remain peaceful while staying politically alert ahead of the next election cycle.
It further alleged that the ruling was part of a broader effort to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Make no mistake, this is another act of desperation… to hand President Tinubu a second term without contest. This will not work,” the party stated.
However, the Presidency and the ruling All Progressives Congress have consistently denied allegations of moves toward a one-party state, insisting that Nigeria’s democracy thrives on a strong opposition and competitive politics.
The matter is expected to proceed to higher judicial review as the ADC pursues its legal challenge against the ruling.
