ADC REJECTS COURT ORDER ON DEREGISTRATION, ACCUSES JUDICIARY OF UNDERMINING DEMOCRACY
Read Time:2 Minute, 31 Second
By Aishat Momoh. O.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly opposed a Federal High Court ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister it and four other political parties, describing the judgment as an attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democracy through the judiciary.
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 meet constitutional and electoral requirements 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 asked the court to compel INEC to remove parties that allegedly failed to meet electoral performance benchmarks, including winning at least one elective position or securing a minimum percentage of votes in presidential elections.
In a statement posted on X and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC condemned the judgment, describing it as unconstitutional and a threat to democratic stability.
“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,” the party said.
The party argued that INEC had previously confirmed in court that the ADC remained compliant with all legal requirements for political party registration and had not violated any deregistration conditions.
According to the ADC, the electoral body maintained that political parties could only be deregistered on legally defined grounds, not based on political pressure or external influence.
The party also questioned the validity of the proceedings, alleging that the Federal High Court proceeded with the case despite an existing order of the Court of Appeal issued on May 22, 2026, which directed a stay of proceedings.
It described the development as a breach of judicial procedure and disregard for the hierarchy of courts.
The ADC further alleged that the timing of the ruling, coming shortly after its party primaries and preparations for the 2027 general elections, raised concerns about political interference.
It warned that any attempt to eliminate opposition parties through judicial processes could destabilise the country’s democratic system.
“Any attempt to eliminate the country’s major opposition party through judicial manoeuvring is a direct invitation to anarchy,” the statement read.
The party said it would challenge the ruling through all available legal and constitutional channels, including filing a petition before the National Judicial Council over alleged judicial misconduct.
While calling for calm among its members and supporters, the ADC insisted it would remain on the ballot for the 2027 elections, vowing not to be intimidated or excluded from the political process.
It also accused unnamed political actors of attempting to weaken opposition parties ahead of the next election cycle, allegations the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has consistently denied.
The Presidency and APC have repeatedly dismissed claims of moves toward a one-party state, insisting that a strong opposition is vital to Nigeria’s democratic growth.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0