The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected a Federal High Court judgment ordering its deregistration, describing the ruling as a grave abuse of judicial process and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
The party said it would petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) over what it termed “judicial rascality” by the presiding judge.
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had on Monday ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister ADC and four other political parties over their alleged failure to meet electoral performance thresholds in the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections.
The affected parties include the Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party.
Reacting in a statement, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the judgment was inconsistent with constitutional provisions and due judicial procedure.
He maintained that INEC had earlier informed the court that there was no legal basis for the deregistration of the party, insisting that ADC neither violated registration requirements nor failed any recognised electoral benchmark.
Abdullahi further alleged that the court proceeded with the matter despite a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal issued on May 22, 2026, directing a stay of proceedings.
According to him, “The judge chose to flagrantly disregard a clear order of a superior court, a development that raises serious concerns about the integrity of the judicial process.”
The ADC spokesman also alleged political interference, claiming that forces linked to the ruling party were behind the suit in a bid to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He warned that any attempt to eliminate opposition platforms through judicial means could destabilise the country’s democratic system.
“This judgment is reckless, provocative and a direct invitation to anarchy,” Abdullahi said.
He added that the party would challenge the ruling through all available legal avenues and mobilise stakeholders to defend its existence.
“We reject any attempt to suppress or extinguish our party through unconstitutional means. The ADC will take immediate steps to seek redress and ensure justice is served,” he said.
Abdullahi, however, urged party members and supporters to remain calm, expressing confidence that the party would remain on the ballot in the 2027 elections.
“Whatever it takes, the ADC will be on the ballot so long as the 2027 election holds,” he stated.
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