The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has 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 threat to Nigeria’s democracy and an attempt to weaken opposition politics.
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 and electoral requirements stipulated under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022.
The ruling followed a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that INEC was constitutionally required to deregister political parties that failed to achieve specified electoral performance benchmarks. These include securing at least 25 per cent of votes in a state during a presidential election or winning at least one elective office.
Reacting in a statement posted on X and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the judgment as unconstitutional and alarming.
“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.
“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 party argued that the ruling contradicted existing legal precedents and positions previously taken by INEC regarding the deregistration of political parties.
According to the ADC, INEC had defended the party’s status before the court, maintaining that it remained fully compliant with constitutional and statutory requirements governing political parties in Nigeria.
The party said the electoral commission informed the court that the ADC had neither violated any registration conditions nor failed to meet any constitutionally recognised electoral threshold that would warrant deregistration.
It further claimed that INEC had maintained that deregistration could only be based on legally recognised grounds and not influenced by political pressure or vested interests.
Beyond challenging the substance of the judgment, the ADC also questioned the procedure that led to the ruling. The party alleged that the Federal High Court proceeded with the matter despite a Court of Appeal order issued on May 22, 2026, directing that proceedings be stayed.
According to the ADC, the development amounted to a disregard for judicial hierarchy and established legal processes.
“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 party also expressed concern over the timing of the judgment, noting that it came shortly after the conclusion of its party primaries and the commencement of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The ADC warned that removing a major opposition platform through what it described as judicial manipulation could destabilise the democratic process.
“Any attempt to eliminate the country’s major opposition party through judicial manoeuvring… is a direct invitation to anarchy,” the party stated.
Describing the ruling as “reckless, provocative, and even incendiary,” the ADC argued that attempts to use state institutions to limit political competition undermine the foundations of democracy.
The party maintained that the matter had moved beyond party registration and now raises broader concerns about whether Nigerians will have genuine political alternatives in the 2027 elections.
“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 its commitment to the rule of law, the party said it would challenge the judgment through all available legal and constitutional channels. It also pledged to engage democratic stakeholders while continuing to defend the interests of its members, supporters, and candidates.
The ADC further alleged that the ruling forms part of a broader strategy aimed at weakening opposition parties ahead of the next election cycle.
“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,” it said.
The party warned that any attempt to establish what it described as a “civilian dictatorship” could have serious implications for national stability, adding that those responsible should be held accountable for any resulting tensions.
It also disclosed plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC), accusing the trial judge of conduct capable of bringing the judiciary into disrepute.
While urging members, supporters, and coalition partners to remain calm and law-abiding, the ADC encouraged them to stay vigilant and committed to the democratic process.
The party insisted that, “Whatever it takes, the ADC will be on the ballot so long as the 2027 election is to hold.”
The ADC and several opposition parties have repeatedly accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress of attempting to dominate Nigeria’s political landscape and steer the country toward a one-party system.
However, both the President and the APC have consistently rejected those allegations, maintaining that a strong and credible opposition remains vital to Nigeria’s democratic development.
