RismadarVoice Reporters, June 15, 2026
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly rejected a Federal High Court judgment reportedly ordering its de-registration, describing the ruling as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and warning that any attempt to remove the party from the political landscape could trigger serious consequences for the nation’s democratic process.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party alleged that the judgment reflects what it termed the growing desperation of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Federal Government to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ADC maintained that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is the only constitutional body empowered to register and de-register political parties, arguing that the court’s decision contradicts INEC’s position and disregards established legal procedures.
According to the party, INEC had, in a counter-affidavit filed before the court, affirmed that the ADC had not breached any constitutional or electoral requirements that would justify its de-registration.
The party also expressed concern over reports that the judgment was delivered despite a subsisting Court of Appeal order directing a stay of proceedings in the matter.
“The ADC considers this development not merely a legal dispute, but a dangerous escalation capable of destabilising the nation’s democratic process,” the statement said.
The party further alleged that individuals linked to the ruling party were behind efforts to pursue the case and described the Attorney-General of the Federation’s involvement in the matter as questionable.
The ADC argued that the timing of the judgment was suspicious, noting that it had already concluded its internal processes and was preparing candidates for future elections, including the 2027 presidential contest.
Warning against what it described as attempts to use state institutions to weaken opposition parties, the ADC said democracy must remain a contest decided by voters at the ballot box rather than through judicial or political manoeuvres.
The party insisted it would challenge the ruling through all available legal and constitutional channels and vowed to defend the rights of its candidates, members, supporters, and coalition partners.
The ADC also announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) over the conduct of the trial judge, Justice Peter Lifu, alleging judicial misconduct and disregard
