The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected a Federal High Court judgment reportedly ordering its de-registration.
The party described the ruling as a threat to democracy and warned against actions capable of destabilising Nigeria’s political system.
This is contained in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.
Abdullahi said the judgment contradicted constitutional provisions and electoral laws governing political parties.
He warned that removing the party from the ballot could trigger political instability ahead of the 2027 elections.
Abdullahi said the constitution vested powers to register or deregister political parties solely in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He stated that INEC had informed the court through a counter-affidavit that the ADC breached no constitutional requirements.
“INEC categorically maintained that the ADC had not violated any registration requirements,” Abdullahi said.
The party spokesman added that INEC insisted there was no legal basis for removing the party from the register.
He also faulted the judgment, citing a subsisting Court of Appeal order directing a stay of proceedings.
According to him, the trial judge proceeded in spite of being aware of the appellate court’s directive issued on May 22.
Abdullahi described the development as dangerous and capable of weakening Nigeria’s democratic process.
He said the ruling could erode public confidence in key institutions responsible for protecting democracy.
Abdullahi also questioned the involvement of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
He described the situation as troubling and part of alleged efforts to undermine opposition voices.
“We are left in no doubt that this latest development is a continuation of efforts to undermine the opposition,” Abdullahi said.
He argued that the timing of the judgment raised concerns because the party had completed its primaries.
He noted that the party had also fielded candidates for the 2027 general elections before the reported judgment.
The spokesperson warned that eliminating a major opposition party through judicial means could threaten political stability.
He vowed that the party would challenge the judgment through all lawful and constitutional channels available.
Abdullahi said the party would also mobilise democratic stakeholders in defence of its political rights.
He announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council over alleged misconduct by the presiding judge.
He urged ADC members, candidates, supporters and coalition partners to remain calm and vigilant.
“We reject any attempt to intimidate, suppress, deregister or politically extinguish our party,” Abdullahi stated.
Party chairmen fault judgement ordering deregistration of ADC, Accord,others
Chairmen of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in Lagos State have faulted a Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of their parties.
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday ordered the deregistration of ADC, Accord, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party and ZLP.
The judge also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to allow the affected parties to participate in subsequent elections, including the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the judgment,the party chairmen described the decision as political and unacceptable.
Mr George Ashiru, Lagos State Chairman of ADC, said the ruling was political and an affront to democracy.
“It now appears that the courts want to decide democracy for Nigeria rather than allow the votes of the people to speak. That, in itself, is an affront to our democracy.
“I am sure our party leadership will appeal and overcome this. Opposition will certainly prevail in all this.We are very sure ADC will contest in the 2027 elections.
According to him, the judgment raises many questions demanding answers. He said that any democracy without opposition parties could not be said to be genuine.
“Our interpretation is straightforward: a party that has existed for 20 years without facing deregistration suddenly becomes a target once it gained elected representatives.
“How can a party with over 3.5 million members be deemed unqualified to exist?” he asked.
Ashiru warned that the judgment could trigger protests if allowed to stand.
“This action risks provoking protests on a scale Nigeria has never seen.,” he said.
Also reacting, the State Chairman of Accord Party, Mr Dele Oladeji, described the judgment as a miscarriage of justice.
“The ordered de-registration of Accord is a big joke. We have elected and currently serving public officers in Jigawa State.
“The court judgment is a travesty of justice, an aberration in our democracy and a stain on the judiciary ,” Oladeji said.
Speaking on behalf of ZLP, Mr Adenipebi Mode-Adekunle,a party chieftain, dismissed the ruling as politically motivated.
“This is just politics at play. This judgment is a joke. We are contesting the forthcoming elections. It will be overturned, it cannot stand, ” Mode-Adekunle said.
A group, the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators,had filed the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026 against the five political parties.
The plaintiff, which also joined the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) in the suit, named INEC as 1st defendant.
The forum argued that the affected political parties failed to meet constitutional requirements relating to electoral spread and performance.
It contended that political parties were required to secure at least 25 per cent of votes in prescribed elections to remain relevant under the law.
The group, therefore, urged the court to order the deregistration of the parties, insisting that none of the defendants had effectively countered the arguments.