Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of the ADC, describing the decision as an attempt to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the ruling through a statement issued by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku described the judgment as “judicial rascality” and accused the ruling party of pursuing a one-party state.
According to him, the court delivered the ruling despite an existing appeal and a stay-of-action order issued by the Court of Appeal.
“The so-called deregistration of the African Democratic Congress along with other parties by Justice Peter Lifu may yet be the biggest manifestation of Tinubu’s hell-bent bid to undermine the opposition and entrench a de facto one-party state. The judgment is the height of judicial rascality,” Atiku said.
He stated that the Court of Appeal had earlier directed Justice Peter Lifu to suspend further proceedings on the matter pending the determination of an appeal.
“The Court of Appeal presided over by Justices Mohammed A. Danjuma, Adebunkunola A. Banjoko, Oyejoju O. Oyewumi had in Appeal CA/ABJ/CV/569/2026 and suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025 ordered Justice Peter Lifu to stay further action on the matter until the hearing and determination of the Appeal before it. The hearing for the appeal was scheduled for the 27th of October 2026,” he said.
Atiku noted that the appellate court’s order was issued on May 22, 2026, and argued that the latest judgment raises concerns about the state of Nigeria’s democracy.
“That order was dated 22nd of May 2026. Nigerians and the international community can see the level of desperation of the ruling party to either have their way in the 2027 elections or destroy our democracy that was purchased at a huge cost,” he added.
The former vice president’s reaction comes amid growing controversy over the court’s decision to deregister the ADC and other political parties.
The ADC has already vowed to challenge the judgment, insisting that it remains a legally recognised political party and will pursue all available legal options to overturn the ruling.
