Prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, have criticised a recent Federal High Court ruling that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and several other political parties.
The judgment, delivered in Abuja, also affected the Accord Party, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party, and the Zenith Labour Party. The court held that the affected parties failed to meet the constitutional requirements regarding electoral performance as outlined under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
According to the ruling delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, the parties were deemed to have fallen short of the required electoral threshold, including the failure to secure at least 25 per cent of votes in specified elections. The judge ordered INEC to proceed with their deregistration and also barred them from participating in future elections, including the 2027 general polls.
Before reaching the final decision, the court dismissed several preliminary objections raised by the defendants. It also acted on a suit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators, which challenged the continued existence of the affected political parties.
The plaintiffs, who also joined the Attorney-General of the Federation in the case, argued that the parties had not met the constitutional standards necessary to maintain registration. They maintained that electoral performance and geographical spread are essential criteria for political party survival under Nigerian law.
INEC, however, reportedly submitted a counter-affidavit stating that the African Democratic Congress had not violated any legal or constitutional provisions that would justify deregistration.
Following the ruling, the ADC strongly rejected the judgment, describing it as a dangerous development for Nigeria’s democratic system. In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party alleged that the decision reflects an ongoing attempt to weaken opposition forces in the country.
The party further argued that the constitution grants INEC exclusive authority over the registration and deregistration of political parties, suggesting that the court’s order overstepped constitutional boundaries. It also pointed to a previous Court of Appeal directive which, according to the party, placed a stay on proceedings in the matter.
ADC leaders expressed concern that the judgment could set a precedent that undermines political pluralism and destabilises the democratic process ahead of the 2027 elections. They warned that excluding parties from elections through judicial intervention could heighten political tension nationwide.
The party also questioned the timing of the ruling, noting that it came after the completion of its primaries and the selection of candidates for upcoming elections. It insisted that such developments could create uncertainty in the political environment.
Furthermore, the ADC announced its intention to challenge the decision through all available legal and constitutional channels. It also indicated plans to engage relevant democratic institutions and stakeholders in defence of its political rights.
Party officials called on members and supporters to remain calm, while reaffirming their commitment to continue political activities despite the court order. They stressed that any attempt to silence or remove the party from the political landscape would be resisted within the framework of the law.
