ADC Rejects Court Order Directing INEC To Deregister Party

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected a Federal High Court judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the party and four others, describing the ruling as an attempt to use the judiciary to weaken Nigeria’s democratic process.

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 for allegedly failing to meet constitutional and electoral requirements.

The court held that the affected parties failed to satisfy the provisions of Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and the Electoral Act 2022.

The judgment followed a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that INEC was constitutionally bound to deregister political parties that failed to meet prescribed electoral performance benchmarks.

Such requirements include securing at least 25 per cent of votes in any state during a presidential election or winning at least one elective position.

Reacting in a statement posted on X and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC condemned the ruling as unconstitutional and deeply troubling.

The party warned against what it described as an attempt to deploy the judiciary against opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election.

The statement read, “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 ADC maintained that INEC had defended the party’s status before the court, insisting that it remained fully compliant with all constitutional and statutory requirements for political parties.

According to the party, the electoral commission informed the court that the ADC had neither breached any registration condition nor failed to meet any constitutionally prescribed electoral benchmark that could justify its deregistration.

The party said INEC had also argued that political parties could only be deregistered on grounds recognised by law, adding that such decisions should not be influenced by political interests, public pressure or vested groups.

The ADC said the court’s decision conflicted with established legal precedents and positions previously advanced by INEC on political party deregistration.

Beyond the substance of the judgment, the party also faulted the procedure that led to the ruling.

It alleged that the Federal High Court proceeded with the matter despite an existing order of the Court of Appeal issued on May 22, 2026, directing that proceedings be stayed.

The ADC described the development as a violation of established judicial procedure and a disregard for the hierarchy of courts.

“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 questioned the timing of the judgment, noting that it came shortly after the ADC concluded its primaries and began preparations for the 2027 general elections, including the presidential race.

It warned that any attempt to remove a major opposition platform through what it called judicial manipulation posed a serious threat to democratic stability.

“Any attempt to eliminate the country’s major opposition party through judicial manoeuvring… is a direct invitation to anarchy,” the party stated.

The ADC described the ruling as “reckless, provocative, and even incendiary,” arguing that efforts to use state institutions to restrict political competition amounted to tampering with the foundations of democracy.

The party said the matter had gone beyond a dispute over party registration and now raised a broader national question over whether Nigerians would be presented with genuine political alternatives in 2027.

The opposition party said it would not allow what it described as attempts to intimidate or politically extinguish it through unconstitutional means.

It said, “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.”

The ADC reaffirmed its confidence in the rule of law and said it would challenge the judgment through all available legal and constitutional avenues.

It also pledged to engage democratic stakeholders across the country while continuing to protect the interests of its candidates, members and supporters.

The ADC further alleged that the ruling was part of a wider effort to weaken 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,” the party said.

The party warned that any attempt to create what it described as a “civilian dictatorship” could have far-reaching implications for national stability.

It added that those behind such actions should be held responsible for any political tension arising from the development.

The party also announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council over the judgment.

It accused the trial judge of misconduct and conduct capable of bringing the judiciary into disrepute.

While calling on its members, supporters and coalition partners to remain peaceful, the ADC urged them to stay alert and committed to the democratic process.

The party declared, “Whatever it takes, the ADC will be on the ballot so long as the 2027 election is to hold.”

The ADC and other opposition parties have repeatedly accused President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress of attempting to dominate the political space and push Nigeria towards a one-party system.

However, the President and the APC have repeatedly dismissed the allegations, insisting that Nigeria remains a multiparty democracy and that a strong and credible opposition is necessary for democratic growth.