ADC rejects deregistration , alleges plot to cripple Opposition

African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected a Federal High Court judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister it and four other political parties, describing the ruling as a dangerous attempt to weaken opposition forces and undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja had 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 outlined in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022.

Reacting to the judgment, the ADC, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, warned against what it described as the use of the judiciary to suppress opposition parties.

The statement reads:
“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.”
The party expressed concern over the ruling, insisting that it contradicts constitutional principles and established judicial procedures.
“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 suit that led to the ruling was filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that INEC should remove political parties that failed to meet electoral performance benchmarks, including securing at least 25 per cent of votes in a state during a presidential election or winning at least one elective office.
The ADC maintained that INEC had defended the party’s legal status during the proceedings, arguing that it remained fully compliant with constitutional and statutory requirements.
According to the party, INEC informed the court that the ADC had neither breached any registration condition nor failed to meet any constitutionally recognised electoral threshold that would justify deregistration.
The ADC also questioned the legal process that produced the judgment, alleging that the Federal High Court proceeded with the matter despite an order of the Court of Appeal issued on May 22, 2026, directing that proceedings be stayed.
The party described the development as a violation of judicial hierarchy and due process.
“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 opposition party further noted that the judgment came shortly after it concluded its primaries and commenced preparations for the 2027 general elections, including the presidential race.
Warning of potential consequences, the ADC said any attempt to remove a major opposition platform through judicial means could threaten democratic stability.
“Any attempt to eliminate the country’s major opposition party through judicial manoeuvring is a direct invitation to anarchy.”
Describing the judgment as “reckless, provocative and incendiary,” the party argued that efforts to limit political competition amount to an attack on the foundations of democracy.
The ADC said the issue goes beyond party registration and raises broader questions 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.”
The party vowed to challenge the ruling through all available legal channels and engage democratic stakeholders across the country while protecting the interests of its members, candidates and supporters.
The ADC also alleged that the ruling forms part of a broader 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 further announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC), accusing the trial judge of misconduct and actions capable of bringing the judiciary into disrepute.
Calling on its supporters and coalition partners to remain peaceful and law-abiding, the ADC said it would continue to participate in the democratic process.
“Whatever it takes, the ADC will be on the ballot so long as the 2027 election is to hold”