Trending 
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly opposed a High Court ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the party and four others, describing the judgment as a threat to democratic governance and political pluralism in Nigeria.
Justice Peter Lifu of the High Court in Abuja ordered the deregistration of the ADC, Accord Party, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance and Zenith Labour Party, ruling that they failed to meet constitutional and electoral performance requirements stipulated by law.
The case was brought by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that political parties that fail to achieve prescribed electoral benchmarks should be removed from the electoral register.
In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC condemned the ruling, insisting it contradicts constitutional principles and established judicial precedents. The party argued that INEC had defended its legal status in court and maintained that it remained compliant with all registration requirements.
The ADC also questioned the legal process that produced the judgment, alleging that the court proceeded despite an existing Court of Appeal order directing a stay of proceedings. According to the party, this amounted to a breach of judicial procedure.
The opposition party further claimed the judgment was part of a broader attempt to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections. It warned that efforts to eliminate viable opposition platforms through judicial means could undermine democratic stability and political competition.
Reaffirming its confidence in the rule of law, the ADC said it would challenge the judgment through all available legal channels and petition the National Judicial Council over the conduct of the trial judge.
The party also assured members and supporters that it would continue preparations for the 2027 elections, insisting that it remains committed to defending democratic rights and remaining on the ballot.
