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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said the Federal High Court judgment voiding parts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regulations for the 2027 elections could lead to mass defections from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reacting to the ruling on Thursday, the ADC said the judgment validated concerns it had earlier raised over INEC’s guidelines on deadlines for party primaries and membership registration.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the court decision as a welcome development.
21 MAY 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS STATEMENTADC WELCOMES COURT JUDGEMENT ON INEC REGULATION
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has welcomed the ruling of a Federal High Court in Abuja on the deadline for party primaries, among others.
In a statement released in Abuja…
— Bolaji Abdullahi (@BolajiADC) May 21, 2026
According to the statement, the ADC had opposed what it considered restrictive timelines imposed by the electoral commission when the guidelines were introduced.
The party said the ruling would strengthen political freedom by removing limitations that could discourage politicians from changing parties ahead of the elections.
Abdullahi claimed the now-nullified provisions were intended to stop politicians from leaving the APC.
He expressed confidence that the judgment could pave the way for increased defections from the ruling party in the coming months.
The ADC also said the ruling would promote broader democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The decision of the court on these issues, including those that directly contradict the Constitution, is therefore a welcome vindication of our position,” the statement read.
“We believed at the time that that particular restriction was designed to prevent people from leaving the ruling party, APC.
“Now that the court has ruled against it, we are sure that, in the coming days, we will witness a mass exodus from the ruling party,” Abdullahi stated.
A Federal High Court had on Wednesday nullified parts of INEC’s timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 elections, ruling that the commission exceeded its powers by shortening timelines already provided for under the Electoral Act 2026.
The court held that political parties retain the right to withdraw and replace candidates up to 90 days before an election, adding that INEC lacked the authority to impose earlier deadlines.
