The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned a Federal High Court judgment ordering its deregistration, describing the ruling as a dangerous attack on democracy and warning that those behind the move are “playing with fire”.
In a statement issued on Monday, Bolaji Abdullahi, national publicity secretary of the party, accused agents of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to weaken the opposition through the judiciary.
Earlier, a Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Peter Lifu ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC, Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) for allegedly failing to meet constitutional requirements for continued existence.
Reacting to the ruling, the ADC said the judgment contradicted both constitutional principles and established judicial procedures.
“We are deeply alarmed by the judgment reportedly delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a case filed by the so-called National Forum of Former Legislators seeking the de-registration of the ADC and four other political parties,” the statement reads.
“This judgment stands in direct conflict with constitutional principles and all known judicial processes and procedures.”
The party noted that INEC had, in a counter-affidavit filed before the court in May, maintained that the ADC had not violated any registration requirements and had not failed any constitutional electoral-performance threshold.
“INEC categorically maintained 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 de-registration,” Abdullahi said.
DISREGARDING COURT OF APPEAL STAY ORDER
The ADC further alleged that Justice Lifu disregarded a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal issued on May 22, 2026, directing a stay of proceedings in the matter.
“The judge chose to flagrantly and contemptuously disregard a clear order of a superior court in a manner that brings into question all known judicial traditions,” the party said.
The opposition party also alleged political interference in the case, claiming that individuals linked to the presidency were behind the suit.
“It would be recalled that the case has been championed directly by individuals working with the President’s Chief of Staff,” the statement reads.
“The decision of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, who is a second defendant in the matter, to join the matter as a plaintiff in April, is an absurdity which sends a signal that is impossible to ignore.”
According to the ADC, the timing of the judgment raises questions, particularly as it comes after the party concluded its primaries and began preparations for the 2027 elections.
“Coming at a time when the party has concluded its primaries and is fielding candidates for all positions in the next election, especially the presidential election, it is clear what this is all about,” Abdullahi said.
ELIMINATING OPPOSITION THROUGH THE JUDICIARY
The party warned that any attempt to eliminate opposition parties through judicial means could destabilise the country’s democracy.
“Any attempt to eliminate the country’s major opposition party through judicial manoeuvring, thereby sabotaging the political aspirations of hundreds of its candidates, is a direct invitation to anarchy,” the statement reads.
“This ruling is reckless, provocative, and even incendiary.”
The ADC accused the ruling party of seeking to hand President Bola Tinubu a second term without a competitive election.
“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,” the party said.
“This will not work.”
The party said it would challenge the judgment through all available legal channels and petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) over what it described as “judicial rascality” by the presiding judge.
“We shall defend the rights of all our candidates, members, supporters, and the millions of Nigerians who are looking to the ADC as a credible alternative for national renewal,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC also urged its members and supporters to remain calm, insisting that the party would remain in the race for the 2027 elections.
“Whatever it takes, the ADC will be on the ballot so long as the 2027 election is to hold,” the statement added.
