ADC Rejects Court-Ordered Deregistration, Vows to Remain on 2027 Ballot
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected a Federal High Court judgment reportedly ordering its deregistration, describing the ruling as a dangerous assault on Nigeria’s democracy and a deliberate attempt to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party accused unnamed agents of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using the judiciary to pursue political objectives and undermine democratic competition.
The ADC said it was alarmed by the judgment reportedly delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja in a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators seeking the deregistration of the party and four others.
According to the party, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which is constitutionally empowered to regulate political parties, had already informed the court that the ADC had not violated any registration requirements and that there was no legal basis for its deregistration.
The party further alleged that the court proceeded with the matter despite a subsisting Court of Appeal order issued on May 22, 2026, directing a stay of proceedings, a development it described as a disregard for judicial hierarchy and due process.
The ADC claimed that the case was politically motivated and linked it to what it called sustained efforts by the ruling party to weaken opposition forces, especially at a time when the party has concluded its primaries and is preparing for the 2027 elections.
Warning against what it termed an attempt to eliminate a major opposition platform through judicial means, the party said such actions could threaten political stability and deny Nigerians genuine electoral choices.
The ADC insisted that democracy must be determined by voters at the ballot box rather than through court actions influenced by political interests.
The party vowed to challenge the judgment through all lawful and constitutional means, mobilise democratic stakeholders, and defend the rights of its candidates, members and supporters.
It also announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) over what it described as judicial misconduct by the trial judge.
Calling on its members and supporters to remain calm and vigilant, the ADC maintained that it would remain on the ballot for the 2027 elections and expressed confidence that the ruling would not stand.
“Whatever it takes, the ADC will be on the ballot so long as the 2027 election is to hold,” the statement said.
