‘You are playing with fire’, ADC rejects deregistration order

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected a Federal High Court judgment concerning its de-registration, describing the ruling as a threat to democracy and political stability. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party argued that the curious judgment is yet the clearest evidence of the desperation of the ruling […]

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected a Federal High Court judgment concerning its de-registration, describing the ruling as a threat to democracy and political stability.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party argued that the curious judgment is yet 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 necessary, even if it means subverting democracy and throwing the country into a crisis of immense proportions.

The party emphasised that the Constitution grants only INEC the power to register or de-register a political party.

The ADC therefore vowed to challenge the ruling through all lawful means, while urging its members to remain calm and await further directives.

• Oshiomhole: Akpabio thinks I’m the devil he knows
• ADC deregistration order: Democracy under siege, says Atiku

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) wishes to warn, in the strongest possible terms, against any attempt to use the judiciary as an instrument to undermine democracy and plunge Nigeria into a major political crisis.”

“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. This judgment stands in direct conflict with constitutional principles and all known judicial processes and procedures.

“The facts are straightforward. The plaintiffs had argued that the ADC and four other political parties failed to satisfy constitutional requirements relating to continued registration.

“However, in its counter-affidavit filed before the court in May, INEC, the constitutional body empowered with the registration, regulation, and supervision of political parties in Nigeria, categorically maintained that the ADC had not violated any registration requirements, had not failed any constitutional electoral-performance threshold, and that no legally recognised basis existed for its de-registration.

“INEC further made it clear that the de-registration of a political party cannot be driven by political pressure, sentiment, or the wishes of interested parties. It must be based strictly on constitutionally established grounds, none of which had been proven against the ADC.

“Apart from INEC’s firm position in support of the party, the ADC finds it troubling that the trial judge was aware of a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal issued on May 22, 2026, directing a stay of proceedings on the matter. 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 ADC considers this development not merely a legal dispute, but a dangerous escalation capable of destabilising the nation’s democratic process. Our position is anchored on the role that agents of the ruling party have played in this matter.

“It would be recalled that the case has been championed directly by individuals working with the President’s Chief of Staff. The decision of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, who is a second defendant in the matter, to join the matter as a plaintiff in April, is an absurdity, which sends a signal that is impossible to ignore.

“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. We also find the timing of this ruling quite curious. Despite all the obstacles placed in its way, the ADC has risen to the task and met all benchmarks and deadlines. Therefore, coming at a time when the party has concluded its primaries and is fielding candidates for all positions in the next election, especially the presidential election, it is clear what this is all about.”