The African Democratic Congress has flatly rejected a Federal High Court order that would deregister the party, calling the ruling a dangerous attack on Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement by National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the judgment looks like a planned move to lock in one-party rule and wipe out opposition before the next elections.
“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 read.
“This judgment stands in direct conflict with constitutional principles and all known judicial processes and procedures.”
The ADC pointed out that the Independent National Electoral Commission told the court in a counter-affidavit that the party met all registration rules, had not failed any electoral-performance threshold and that no legal basis exists for deregistration. INEC, the party stressed, is the only body constitutionally allowed to remove parties.
The ADC also accused Justice Lifu of ignoring a May 22, 2026 Court of Appeal order that stayed proceedings. “The ADC considers this development not merely a legal dispute, but a dangerous escalation capable of destabilising the nation’s democratic process,” the statement continued. “Our position is anchored on the role that agents of the ruling party have played in this matter.”
The party named allies of the President’s Chief of Staff as promoters of the case and called it odd that the Attorney-General joined as a plaintiff after being a second defendant. ADC says it will fight the ruling in court and asked members to stay calm and await instructions.
Former VP Atiku Abubakar also condemned the judgment in a June 15 statement by his aide Phrank Shaibu.
