The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the judgment of a Federal High Court in Abuja directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the party and four others, describing the decision as a grave threat to Nigeria’s democratic order.
Justice Peter Lifu, in a ruling delivered on Monday, ordered the deregistration of the ADC, Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) for allegedly failing to satisfy constitutional electoral performance requirements as stipulated under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.
The suit was instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that political parties that fail to meet prescribed electoral benchmarks should not remain on the register of political parties maintained by INEC.
Reacting to the judgment, the ADC, in a statement titled “You Are Playing With Fire,” described the verdict as unconstitutional and inconsistent with both established legal principles and the position previously taken by the electoral commission before the court.
The party maintained that INEC had clearly informed the court that the ADC remained compliant with all registration requirements and had not breached any constitutional provision that could warrant deregistration.
According to the party, the commission had affirmed that no legal basis existed for its removal from the register of political parties and that deregistration must be guided strictly by constitutional provisions rather than political considerations.
The ADC further questioned the validity of the proceedings, alleging that the trial court continued with the matter despite a subsisting Court of Appeal order issued on May 22, 2026, directing a stay of proceedings.
Describing the development as politically motivated, the party alleged that the judgment was part of a broader effort to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The ADC noted that the ruling came shortly after it concluded its party primaries and commenced preparations for the next electoral cycle, including the presidential election.
Warning against the consequences of shrinking the democratic space, the party argued that the matter extends beyond its own political survival and touches on the broader issue of electoral choice and democratic participation for millions of Nigerians.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing all available legal remedies, stating that it would challenge the judgment at the appellate courts while mobilising democratic stakeholders in defence of constitutional governance.
The ADC also disclosed plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) over what it described as judicial misconduct in the handling of the matter.
While urging its members, supporters and coalition partners to remain calm and law-abiding, the party expressed confidence that the ruling would be overturned and insisted that it would remain an active participant in the 2027 electoral process.
The party maintained that Nigeria’s democracy must be protected from actions capable of limiting political competition, insisting that it would continue to defend the rights of its members and supporters through lawful means.
