Yemi Obafemi
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected a Federal High Court judgment ordering its deregistration and that of four other political parties, warning that the ruling poses a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and political stability.
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, 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.
Reacting to the judgment, the ADC described the ruling as a dangerous misuse of the judiciary and accused the judge of disregarding 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, 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,” the party said in a statement.
The suit was instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that INEC was obligated to deregister political parties that failed to meet electoral performance benchmarks, including securing at least 25 per cent of votes in any state during a presidential election or winning at least one elective position.
However, the ADC maintained that INEC, in a counter-affidavit filed in May, had informed the court that the party had not violated any registration requirements and that there was no legal basis for its deregistration.
According to the party, INEC also stated that the deregistration of political parties could only be carried out on constitutionally recognised grounds and not on political pressure or the wishes of interested parties.
The ADC further alleged that Justice Lifu proceeded with the matter despite being aware of a Court of Appeal order issued on May 22, 2026, directing a stay of proceedings.
“The judge chose to flagrantly and contemptuously disregard a clear order of a superior court in a manner that brings into question all known judicial traditions,” the statement said.
The party linked the case to what it described as a broader effort by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to weaken the opposition ahead of future elections. It claimed that individuals associated with the President’s Chief of Staff had championed the case and questioned the involvement of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in the proceedings.
The ADC said the timing of the judgment was suspicious, noting that it had completed its primaries and was preparing to field candidates for all elective positions, including the presidency.
The party warned that attempts to eliminate a major opposition platform through judicial means could destabilise the country’s democratic process.
“Any attempt to eliminate the country’s major opposition party through judicial manoeuvring, thereby sabotaging the political aspirations of hundreds of its candidates, is a direct invitation to anarchy,” it stated.
Describing the ruling as “reckless, provocative, and incendiary,” the ADC urged those in power to focus on addressing the country’s economic and security challenges rather than targeting political opponents.
The party insisted that efforts to narrow the democratic space would not serve the national interest, particularly at a time when Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and growing social discontent.
