JUST IN: ADC alleges judicial plot to deregister opposition parties, vows to challenge court ruling

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused powerful interests within the ruling establishment of attempting to use the judiciary to undermine opposition politics, following a Federal High Court judgment reportedly seeking the deregistration of the party and four other political parties.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, the ADC described the development as a direct threat to Nigeria’s democracy and warned that any attempt to eliminate opposition parties through judicial means could trigger a major political crisis.

The statement, signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, expressed concern over a judgment reportedly delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators seeking the deregistration of the ADC and other political parties.

According to the party, the ruling contradicts constitutional provisions, established judicial procedures, and the position earlier taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the statutory body responsible for the registration and regulation of political parties.

The ADC noted that INEC had, in a counter-affidavit filed before the court in May, maintained that the party had not breached any constitutional or legal requirements that would justify its deregistration.

The commission reportedly informed the court that the ADC had complied with all registration obligations and had not failed any constitutional threshold relating to electoral performance.

“INEC made it clear that the deregistration of a political party cannot be based on political pressure, sentiment, or the wishes of interested parties, but must be founded strictly on constitutionally recognised grounds,” the statement said.

The opposition party further alleged that the court proceeded with the matter despite a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal issued on May 22, 2026, directing a stay of proceedings.

According to the ADC, the reported decision to continue hearing the case despite the appellate court’s directive raises serious questions about adherence to judicial hierarchy and due process.

The party argued that the matter extends beyond a legal dispute and has become a significant test of Nigeria’s democratic credentials.

It also alleged that individuals linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Presidency had played active roles in advancing the case.

The ADC specifically questioned the involvement of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, who it claimed joined the matter despite being originally listed as a defendant.

The party described the development as part of a broader effort to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to the ADC, the timing of the ruling is particularly significant because it comes after the party has completed its primaries and is preparing to field candidates for elective offices, including the presidential election.

“It is difficult to ignore the political implications of a ruling delivered at a time when the ADC has fulfilled all electoral requirements and is positioning itself as a major opposition platform ahead of the next election cycle,” the statement added.

The party warned that any attempt to prevent legitimate political parties from participating in the electoral process would amount to an assault on democratic choice and political pluralism.

The ADC further argued that the issue at stake is not merely the registration status of political parties, but whether Nigerians will be allowed meaningful political alternatives in the 2027 elections.

“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 party said.

Reaffirming its commitment to constitutional democracy, the ADC vowed to challenge the ruling through all available legal channels.

The party also announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) over what it described as judicial misconduct and disregard for due process by the presiding judge.

While urging its members, supporters, candidates, and coalition partners to remain calm, the ADC insisted that it would resist any attempt to suppress opposition voices through judicial or political means.

The party maintained that it remains committed to participating in the 2027 general election and expressed confidence that it would remain on the ballot despite the ongoing legal dispute.

The controversy adds a new dimension to the evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, with growing scrutiny over the role of institutions in safeguarding democratic competition and political inclusiveness in Nigeria.