By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected a Federal High Court judgment that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the party and four others. The ruling, delivered on Monday in Abuja by Justice Peter Lifu, followed a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators. The ADC described the decision as unconstitutional, accused the government of targeting opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, and pledged to challenge the judgment through all legal means.
ADC Condemns Court Judgment
The ADC described the ruling as reckless, provocative and capable of undermining Nigeria’s democracy.
According to the party, the judgment goes beyond party registration. It now raises serious concerns about whether Nigerians will enjoy genuine political choices in the 2027 elections.
The party insisted it would resist every attempt to intimidate, suppress or deregister opposition parties through unconstitutional means.
“We will not stand by while the democratic rights of millions of Nigerians are threatened,” the party stated.
Party Alleges Political Motive
The ADC accused the ruling party of using state institutions to weaken the opposition before the 2027 elections.
It argued that the judgment forms part of a broader plan to secure President Bola Tinubu’s second term without meaningful political competition.
“This is another act of desperation by the ruling party and the government,” the statement said.
Furthermore, the party warned that any attempt to create what it called a civilian dictatorship could destabilise the country.
ADC Cites INEC’s Position
The opposition party maintained that INEC had informed the court that the ADC fully complied with registration requirements.
According to the party, the electoral commission confirmed there was no constitutional basis for deregistration.
The ADC said INEC maintained that deregistration cannot result from political pressure or public sentiment. Instead, it must strictly follow constitutional provisions.
Appeal Order Ignored, ADC Claims
The ADC also challenged the legal process that produced the judgment.
It alleged that the Federal High Court proceeded with the case despite a Court of Appeal order issued on May 22, 2026, directing a stay of proceedings.
The party argued that ignoring the appellate court’s directive violated established judicial procedures and undermined confidence in the judiciary.
NJC Petition Planned
The ADC announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) over the conduct of Justice Peter Lifu.
According to the party, the handling of the case brought the judiciary into disrepute.
It also vowed to mobilise democratic stakeholders while protecting its candidates and supporters across Nigeria.
Suit Seeks Interpretation of Electoral Law
The suit was filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators.
The group asked the court to determine whether INEC must deregister political parties that fail to meet constitutional electoral benchmarks.
These benchmarks include securing at least 25 per cent of votes in one state during a presidential election or winning at least one elective office.
Justice Peter Lifu ruled that INEC should deregister the ADC, Accord Party (AP), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and the Electoral Act 2022.
ADC Vows to Remain on 2027 Ballot
Despite the judgment, the ADC urged its members, supporters and coalition partners to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
The party expressed confidence that it would overturn the ruling through constitutional processes.
“Whatever it takes, the ADC will be on the ballot so long as the 2027 election is to hold,” the party declared.
