The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the Federal High Court judgment ordering its deregistration, describing the ruling as a grave threat to democracy, political pluralism and the stability of Nigeria’s democratic system.
In a statement issued on Monday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC vowed to challenge the judgment through all lawful and constitutional means, insisting that the ruling was flawed and politically motivated.
The party argued that the judgment represented an attempt to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general election and accused the ruling party of seeking to retain power through undemocratic means.
According to Abdullahi, “The curious judgment is the clearest evidence of the desperation of the ruling party and the government to ensure that President Tinubu holds on to power by any means, even if it means subverting democracy and throwing the country into a crisis of immense proportions.”
The ADC maintained that the Constitution exclusively empowers the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register and deregister political parties, stressing that the court’s decision contradicted both constitutional provisions and INEC’s position before the court.
Abdullahi noted that the ruling also ignored a subsisting order of stay of proceedings issued by the Court of Appeal.
“The Constitution grants only INEC the power to register or de-register a political party,” he stated, adding that the judgment “flagrantly contradicted INEC’s position on affidavit and ignored a subsisting order of stay of proceedings of the Court of Appeal.”
The opposition party further insisted that Nigeria remains a nation governed by the rule of law and not by political interests.
“Nigeria is a nation of law, not a nation governed by the whims and caprices of agents of the ruling party,” Abdullahi said.
He assured party members and supporters that the ADC would vigorously contest the judgment while mobilising democratic stakeholders to defend the rights of its candidates, members and supporters across the country.
The party also warned that any political instability arising from what it described as attempts to weaponise the judiciary against legitimate opposition groups would be the responsibility of those behind such actions.
“The responsibility for any crisis arising from efforts to weaponise the judiciary against legitimate political opposition will rest squarely with those who are pursuing this dangerous and illegitimate path,” the statement said.
In a further escalation of the dispute, the ADC announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) over what it termed judicial misconduct by the presiding judge.
Abdullahi alleged that the conduct of the judge amounted to “judicial rascality” and had continued to bring the judiciary into disrepute.
Despite the setback, the party expressed confidence that it would remain a participant in the 2027 general election.
The ADC called on its members, candidates, coalition partners and supporters nationwide to remain calm and focused as it pursues legal remedies.
“We call on our members, candidates, supporters, and coalition partners across the country to remain calm, vigilant, and steadfast. The ADC will do whatever it takes within the law to be on the ballot as long as the 2027 election holds,” Abdullahi stated.
