…Describes Judge As Threat To Democracy,
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected a Federal High Court judgment ordering its deregistration.
The party described the ruling as a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy and warned against what it called attempts to use the judiciary to weaken political opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party also announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) over the conduct of the presiding judge, Justice Peter Lifu, whom it accused of disregarding established judicial procedures.
In a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC alleged that the judgment was part of a broader effort by the ruling party to undermine opposition parties and narrow the democratic space.
“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,” Abdullahi said.
“This judgment stands in direct conflict with constitutional principles and all known judicial processes and procedures.”
According to the party, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in a counter-affidavit filed before the court in May, had maintained that the ADC remained validly registered and had not breached any constitutional or statutory requirements warranting deregistration.
The party noted that INEC had also argued that the deregistration of political parties could only be based on constitutionally prescribed grounds and not on political pressure or the preferences of interested parties.
The ADC further expressed concern that the trial court allegedly proceeded with the matter despite a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal issued on May 22, 2026, directing a stay of proceedings.
“The judge, however, chose to flagrantly and contemptuously disregard a clear order of a superior court in a manner that brings into question all known judicial traditions,” the party said.
The opposition party alleged that the case had been championed by individuals linked to the Presidency and described the involvement of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, in the matter as “an absurdity.”
It argued that the timing of the judgment was suspicious, coming after the party had concluded its primaries and was preparing to field candidates in the 2027 general election.
“We are therefore left in no doubt that this latest development is a continuation of the ruling party’s persistent efforts to undermine the opposition, especially the ADC,” Abdullahi stated.
Warning against any move to exclude the party from the electoral process, the ADC said such actions could have serious consequences for political stability.
“Any attempt to eliminate the country’s major opposition party through judicial manoeuvring, thereby sabotaging the political aspirations of hundreds of its candidates, is a direct invitation to anarchy,” the party said.
“This is why we consider this ruling reckless, provocative, and even incendiary. Those who believe they can manipulate institutions of state to narrow the democratic space must understand that they are playing with forces far greater than partisan interests.”
The ADC maintained that the issue transcended party registration and touched on the broader question of democratic choice and electoral competition in Nigeria.
“From our standpoint, the issue before the country is no longer simply about party registration. It is about whether the Nigerian people will be allowed genuine political choices in 2027,” the ADC added.
“It is about whether democracy will remain a contest decided by voters at the ballot box or by powerful interests operating through institutions that ought to remain impartial.”
The ADC vowed to challenge the judgment through all available legal channels and mobilise democratic stakeholders in defence of its political rights.
“As a law-abiding political party, the ADC will vigorously challenge this judgment through every lawful and constitutional avenue available to us,” Abdullahi said.
“We shall defend the rights of all our candidates, members, supporters, and the millions of Nigerians who are looking to the ADC as a credible alternative for national renewal.”
The party also accused the ruling party of seeking to secure President Bola Tinubu’s re-election through undemocratic means.
“Make no mistake, this is another act of desperation by the ruling party and the government to hand President Tinubu a second term without contest. This will not work,” the statement said.
“We therefore warn those who are seeking to manufacture a civilian dictatorship to understand that democracy cannot be strangled without consequences for national stability.”
The ADC disclosed that it would petition the NJC over what it described as “judicial rascality” by the trial judge and called on its members and supporters nationwide to remain calm.
“We call on all our members, candidates, supporters, and coalition partners across the country to remain calm, vigilant, and steadfast,” the party said.
“Whatever it takes, the ADC will be on the ballot so long as the 2027 election is to hold.”
