The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly rejected the Federal High Court judgment ordering its deregistration, describing the ruling as a grave threat to democracy, political stability, and the constitutional rights of Nigerians.
In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the judgment represents the clearest indication yet of an alleged effort by the ruling party and elements within government to undermine democratic competition and ensure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu secures a second term by any means necessary.
The ADC maintained that the Constitution vests the authority to register and deregister political parties exclusively in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The party noted that the judgment not only contradicted INEC’s sworn position before the court but also disregarded a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal directing a stay of proceedings in the matter.
The party vowed to challenge the judgment through all lawful and constitutional means and called on its members, supporters, candidates, and coalition partners to remain calm and await further directives.
The full statement reads:
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) wishes to warn, in the strongest possible terms, against any attempt to use the judiciary as an instrument for undermining democracy and plunging Nigeria into a political crisis.
We are deeply alarmed by the judgment reportedly delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a suit filed by the so-called National Forum of Former Legislators seeking the deregistration of the ADC and four other political parties. This judgment stands in direct conflict with constitutional principles and established judicial procedures.
The facts are straightforward. The plaintiffs argued that the ADC and four other political parties failed to satisfy constitutional requirements for continued registration. However, in its counter-affidavit filed before the court in May, INEC—the constitutional body empowered to register, regulate, and supervise political parties—categorically stated that the ADC had not violated any registration requirements, had not failed any constitutional electoral-performance threshold, and that no legally recognised basis existed for its deregistration.
INEC further affirmed that the deregistration of a political party cannot be driven by political pressure, sentiment, or the wishes of interested parties. Such action must be based strictly on constitutionally established grounds, none of which have been proven against the ADC.
Beyond INEC’s unequivocal position, the ADC finds it troubling that the trial judge proceeded despite being aware of a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal issued on May 22, 2026, directing a stay of proceedings in the matter. The decision to disregard a clear order of a superior court raises serious concerns and calls into question adherence to established judicial norms and traditions.
The ADC considers this development not merely a legal dispute but a dangerous escalation capable of destabilising Nigeria’s democratic process. Our concern is reinforced by the role played by individuals linked to the ruling party in promoting this litigation. It is noteworthy that the case has been actively championed by persons associated with the Office of the President’s Chief of Staff. Equally troubling was the decision of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, originally listed as a defendant, to subsequently align with the plaintiffs.
We are therefore left in no doubt that this latest development forms part of a broader effort to weaken opposition parties, particularly the ADC. The timing of the judgment is especially curious. Despite numerous obstacles, the ADC has fulfilled all requirements and met all electoral deadlines. Coming after the conclusion of the party’s primaries and the emergence of candidates for all elective positions, including the presidency, the intent behind this action appears unmistakable.
The ADC warns that any attempt to eliminate a major opposition party through judicial manoeuvring and thereby sabotage the political aspirations of hundreds of candidates constitutes a direct invitation to political instability.
This ruling is reckless, provocative, and potentially incendiary. Those who believe they can manipulate state institutions to narrow the democratic space must understand that they are playing with forces far greater than partisan interests.
At a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and growing national anxiety, it is deeply disturbing that influential actors appear more focused on suppressing political opposition than addressing the pressing challenges confronting the nation.
The issue before the country is no longer simply about party registration. It is about whether Nigerians will be allowed genuine political choices in 2027. It is about whether democracy will remain a contest decided by voters at the ballot box or by powerful interests acting through institutions that ought to remain impartial.
Let it be clearly stated: the ADC will not stand by while the democratic rights of millions of Nigerians are threatened. We reject any attempt to intimidate, suppress, deregister, or politically extinguish our party and other opposition parties through means that offend both the spirit and the letter of the Constitution.
Nigeria is a nation governed by law, not by the whims and caprices of political actors. Accordingly, the ADC will vigorously challenge this judgment through every lawful and constitutional avenue available. We shall mobilise democratic stakeholders and defend the rights of our candidates, members, supporters, and the millions of Nigerians who see the ADC as a credible platform for national renewal.
Make no mistake: this is yet another act of desperation aimed at handing President Tinubu a second term without meaningful electoral contest. It will not succeed. Those seeking to manufacture a civilian dictatorship should understand that democracy cannot be strangled without consequences for national stability.
The responsibility for any tension arising from efforts to weaponise the judiciary against legitimate political opposition will rest squarely with those pursuing this dangerous course.
The ADC will also petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) over what it describes as judicial misconduct by the presiding judge, conduct which has further eroded public confidence in the judiciary.
We call on all our members, candidates, supporters, and coalition partners across the country to remain calm, vigilant, and steadfast.
Whatever it takes, the ADC will be on the ballot so long as the 2027 general election holds.
Further directives will be communicated through the appropriate channels.
