The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly opposed 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 use the judiciary to undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.
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 for allegedly failing to satisfy constitutional and electoral requirements outlined in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022.
The judgment followed a suit instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which sought a declaration that INEC was obligated to remove political parties that failed to meet prescribed electoral performance benchmarks. These include securing at least 25 per cent of votes in any state during a presidential election or winning at least one elective position.
Responding in a statement posted on X and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party condemned the ruling as unconstitutional and deeply troubling.
According to the ADC, the decision runs contrary to established legal precedents and even conflicts with positions previously advanced by INEC on the issue of political party deregistration.
“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 expressly defended the party’s status before the court, arguing that it remained fully compliant with all constitutional and statutory requirements for political parties.
According to the party, the electoral commission clearly informed the court that the ADC had neither breached any registration condition nor failed to meet any constitutionally prescribed electoral-performance benchmark that could justify its deregistration.
The party quoted INEC as insisting that political parties could only be deregistered on grounds recognised by law, stressing that such decisions must not be influenced by political interests, public sentiment or pressure from vested groups.
Beyond challenging the substance of the judgment, the ADC also questioned 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 party 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 ADC also raised concerns about the timing of the judgment, noting that it came shortly after the party concluded its primaries and began preparations for the 2027 general elections, including the presidential race.
It warned that attempts to remove a major opposition platform through what it termed 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.
Describing the ruling as “reckless, provocative, and even incendiary,” the ADC argued that efforts to use state institutions to restrict political competition amounted to tampering with the foundations of Nigeria’s democracy.
The party said the case had grown beyond a dispute over party registration and now touched on a broader national question — whether Nigerians would be presented with 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 confidence in the rule of law, the party 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 formed 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,” it said.
The party warned that any attempt to create what it described as a “civilian dictatorship” could have far-reaching implications for national stability, adding that those responsible should be held accountable for any tensions arising from such actions.
It also announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council, accusing 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 that, “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 Tinubu and the APC of attempting to dominate the political space and steer the country toward a one-party system.
However, the President and his party have also repeatedly dismissed claims that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party state, insisting that a strong and credible opposition remains essential for democratic growth.
