The African Democratic Congress has raised concerns over what it described as attempts to use the judiciary to weaken democratic institutions and create political instability in the country, following a Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of the party and four others.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party expressed alarm over the ruling reportedly delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja in a suit instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators. According to the ADC, the judgment contradicts constitutional provisions and established judicial procedures.
The party noted that the plaintiffs had argued that the ADC and four other political parties failed to meet constitutional conditions required for continued registration. However, it maintained that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in a counter-affidavit filed in May, stated clearly that the ADC had not breached any registration requirement or electoral performance threshold that could justify deregistration.
According to the statement, INEC also maintained that the deregistration of political parties must be based solely on constitutional provisions and not on political considerations or the interests of any group seeking such an outcome.
The ADC further questioned the circumstances surrounding the judgment, arguing that Justice Lifu proceeded with the matter despite a Court of Appeal order issued on May 22, 2026, directing a stay of proceedings. The party described the development as a disregard for an existing order from a higher court.
It warned that the issue had gone beyond a legal disagreement and could pose a threat to the country’s democratic stability. The party alleged that individuals linked to the Presidency had actively supported the case and also criticised the decision of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, who is listed as a defendant, to join the proceedings as a plaintiff.
The ADC claimed that the ruling forms part of a broader effort by the governing party to weaken opposition platforms, particularly at a time when it has concluded its primaries and is preparing to field candidates for all elective positions, including the presidency, in the 2027 elections.
The opposition party cautioned against any attempt to remove a major political platform through judicial means, saying such actions could undermine the democratic rights of its candidates and supporters.
“This is why we consider this ruling reckless, provocative, and even incendiary. Those who believe they can manipulate institutions of state to narrow the democratic space must understand that they are playing with forces far greater than partisan interests.”
The party argued that efforts should instead be directed at addressing pressing national challenges, including economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and growing public anxiety, rather than targeting opposition parties.
According to the ADC, the central issue is whether Nigerians will be allowed genuine political choices in the 2027 elections and whether democratic contests will continue to be decided by voters at the ballot box rather than by powerful interests acting through public institutions.
“Let it be clearly stated: the ADC will not stand by while the democratic rights of millions of Nigerians are threatened. We reject any and all attempts 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.”
The party reiterated its commitment to pursuing all lawful options to challenge the ruling, insisting that it would defend the rights of its members, candidates and supporters through constitutional means.
“Make no mistake, this is another act of desperation by the ruling party and the government to hand President Tinubu a second term without contest. This will not work. We therefore warn those who are seeking to manufacture a civilian dictatorship to understand that democracy cannot be strangled without consequences for national stability.”
The ADC also stated that it would petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) over what it described as misconduct by the presiding judge, accusing him of actions that have damaged the image of the judiciary.
The party appealed to its members, candidates, supporters and coalition partners across the country to remain calm and vigilant while legal steps are pursued.
“Whatever it takes, the ADC will be on the ballot so long as the 2027 election is to hold.”
The statement added that further directives would be communicated to party stakeholders through the appropriate channels.
