The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected a Federal High Court judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the party and four others, describing the judgment as “a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy and political stability”.
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had ordered INEC to deregister the ADC, Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The judgment followed a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that the affected parties failed to meet constitutional electoral performance thresholds required to retain their registration.
The plaintiffs contended that the parties did not secure the minimum electoral benchmarks outlined under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and therefore should be removed from the register of political parties.
But in a reaction on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party alleged that the judgment was part of a broader attempt by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to weaken political opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ADC argued that only INEC possesses the constitutional authority to register or deregister political parties and maintained that the electoral body had previously informed the court that there was no legal basis for its deregistration.
“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.
According to the ADC, INEC had, in a counter-affidavit filed before the court in May, stated that the party had not violated any constitutional or statutory requirements warranting deregistration.
The party also faulted the judgment on procedural grounds, claiming that the Court of Appeal had earlier issued an order staying proceedings in the matter pending further hearing.
The ADC alleged that the ruling represented a dangerous escalation capable of undermining democratic processes and narrowing the political space ahead of the next general election.
“It is about whether democracy will remain a contest decided by voters at the ballot box or by powerful interests operating through institutions that ought to remain impartial,” the statement added.
The party vowed to challenge the judgment through all available legal channels and announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) over what it described as judicial misconduct by the presiding judge.
It also warned that any attempt to exclude it from the electoral process could trigger political tensions and undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.
Meanwhile, National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, has assured party members, candidates and supporters that the judgment would not stand and that the party would remain on the ballot in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking while receiving a delegation of ADC candidates in Abuja, Mark described the ruling as “an arrow fired at the heart of Nigeria’s democracy” and expressed confidence that superior courts would overturn the decision.
He recalled that the Court of Appeal had earlier ordered a stay of proceedings in the matter and questioned the validity of a judgment delivered while the appellate court’s order remained in force.
“The judgment cannot stand. It will be set aside because it does not pass the test of law and due process. Our democracy must be protected from actions that seek to undermine the constitutional rights of political parties and the choices available to Nigerians,” Mark stated.
He urged party faithful across the country to remain calm and focused, insisting that there was no cause for panic.
“The ADC will be on the ballot in 2027. I assure all our candidates, members and supporters that this temporary setback will be overcome through the judicial process. We remain resolute and confident in the rule of law,” he said.
The ruling, if upheld, could affect the participation of candidates sponsored by the affected parties, including ADC presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in the 2027 general elections.
