African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned a Federal High Court judgment reportedly ordering its deregistration, describing the decision as a dangerous assault on democracy and a calculated attempt to weaken opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party accused certain government officials and ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) interests of attempting to use the judiciary to achieve political objectives.
The ADC said it was alarmed by the judgment allegedly delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja in a suit instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators seeking the deregistration of the ADC and four other political parties.
According to the party, the ruling contradicts constitutional provisions and established judicial procedures.
The opposition party maintained that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in a counter-affidavit filed before the court in May, had clearly stated that the ADC had not breached any registration requirements and that no constitutional basis existed for its deregistration.
The party noted that INEC, as the body constitutionally empowered to regulate political parties, had informed the court that deregistration could not be based on political considerations or pressure from interested groups.
“INEC further made it clear that the de-registration of a political party cannot be driven by political pressure, sentiment, or the wishes of interested parties. It must be based strictly on constitutionally established grounds, none of which had been proven against the ADC,” the statement said.
The ADC also questioned the circumstances surrounding the judgment, alleging that the presiding judge ignored a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal issued on May 22, 2026, directing a stay of proceedings in the matter.
“The judge, however, 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 stated.
Describing the development as more than a legal dispute, the ADC warned that any attempt to remove a major opposition party from the political landscape could create serious consequences for the nation’s democratic stability.
The party further alleged that individuals linked to the Presidency had actively supported the suit and questioned the involvement of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in the matter.
“We are therefore left in no doubt that this latest development is a continuation of the ruling party’s persistent efforts to undermine the opposition, especially the ADC,” Abdullahi said.
The party argued that the timing of the ruling was suspicious, coming after it had completed its primary elections and prepared candidates for the next electoral cycle, including the presidential election.
“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 added.
The ADC accused the ruling party of focusing on political opponents instead of addressing economic hardship, insecurity and unemployment facing Nigerians.
“From our standpoint, the issue before the country is no longer simply about party registration. It is about whether the Nigerian people will be allowed genuine political choices in 2027,” the party said.
Reaffirming its commitment to legal means, the ADC vowed to challenge the judgment through all constitutional channels and mobilise democratic stakeholders in defence of its members and supporters.
“Let it be clearly stated: the ADC will not stand by while the democratic rights of millions of Nigerians are threatened,” the statement said.
The party also announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC), accusing the trial judge of conduct capable of bringing the judiciary into disrepute.
“Meanwhile, the ADC will petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) over the judicial rascality demonstrated by the presiding judge of the Federal High Court, whose conduct has continued to bring the institution of the judiciary into disrepute,” it stated.
The party urged its members, candidates and coalition partners across the country to remain peaceful and vigilant, insisting that it would participate in the 2027 elections.
“Whatever it takes, the ADC will be on the ballot so long as the 2027 election is to hold,” the statement concluded.
