ABUJA, NIGERIA — June 15, 2026
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has fiercely rejected a Federal High Court judgment reportedly ordering its deregistration, describing the ruling as a dangerous attack on Nigeria’s democracy and vowing to remain on the ballot for the 2027 general elections “whatever it takes.”
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC accused powerful figures within the ruling government of attempting to weaken opposition parties through judicial means.
The controversy follows a 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 ADC and four other political parties.
According to the ADC, the ruling contradicts constitutional provisions governing political parties and ignores the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which had reportedly informed the court that there was no legal basis for deregistering the party.
The opposition party stated that INEC had previously maintained that the ADC met all constitutional and electoral requirements necessary to retain its registration and had not violated any laws warranting deregistration.
The party also expressed concern over what it described as the court’s disregard for an existing Court of Appeal order issued on May 22, 2026, directing a stay of proceedings in the matter pending further judicial review.
ADC leaders warned that the development represents more than a legal dispute, arguing that it could have serious consequences for Nigeria’s democratic system and political stability.
The party further alleged that individuals linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) supported the legal action, claiming that figures associated with the office of the President’s Chief of Staff played a role in promoting the case.
ADC also questioned the involvement of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, whom it said was originally listed as a defendant but later joined the proceedings as a plaintiff.
Describing the timing of the judgment as suspicious, the party noted that the ruling came after it had concluded its internal primaries and finalized candidates for upcoming elections, including the 2027 presidential race.
The ADC warned that removing opposition parties through judicial action would undermine democratic competition and deny Nigerians genuine political choices at the ballot box.
“This is a direct invitation to anarchy,” the party stated, insisting that democracy should be decided by voters and not by what it called political manipulation of state institutions.
The party also accused the Federal Government and the APC of attempting to clear the path for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election by weakening opposition forces ahead of the next general election.
As part of its response, the ADC announced plans to challenge the judgment through all available legal channels and submit a petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC), accusing the presiding judge of conduct capable of bringing the judiciary into disrepute.
Despite the court ruling, the opposition party maintained that it would continue defending the political rights of its members, candidates, and supporters nationwide.
Calling on its supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, the ADC reiterated its determination to participate in the 2027 elections.
“We reject every attempt to intimidate, suppress, or extinguish our party. Whatever it takes, the ADC will be on the ballot as long as the 2027 election holds,” the party declared.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments surrounding the legal battle and its implications for Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
