A Federal High Court ruling directing the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has sparked strong reactions from opposition leaders, who described the decision as a threat to Nigeria’s democratic system ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political leaders, including Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, ADC National Chairman David Mark and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, criticised the judgment and warned of its potential impact on Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
Court Orders INEC to Deregister Five Parties
The ruling was delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja following a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators.
The suit sought to determine whether the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had a constitutional responsibility to deregister political parties that failed to meet electoral performance benchmarks outlined in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC regulations.
The plaintiffs argued that the affected parties consistently failed to meet the required thresholds during the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections.
They stated that the parties failed to secure at least 25 per cent of votes in a state during presidential elections or win elective seats at national, state or local government levels.
The court was consequently asked to compel INEC to deregister the parties before preparations for the 2027 elections progressed further.
Atiku Describes Judgment as Threat to Democracy
Atiku condemned the ruling, describing it as a dangerous attack on Nigeria’s democratic framework.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, he argued that the judgment was delivered despite a subsisting Court of Appeal order that had stayed proceedings in the matter.
He said:
“The judgment represents a dangerous escalation of authoritarian tactics and a blatant assault on Nigeria’s democracy.”
Atiku added:
“Any action taken contrary to that order raises serious questions about respect for the hierarchy of courts and fidelity to the rule of law.”
He further alleged that the move was part of a broader effort to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
“This is not governance. It is political elimination by other means.”
He assured supporters that the ADC would challenge the ruling through constitutional and legal channels.
Adeleke Urges Supporters to Remain Calm
Governor Adeleke also criticised the judgment, insisting it contradicted an existing Court of Appeal order staying proceedings.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor called on residents of Osun State to remain calm.
He said:
“The Court of Appeal is taking up the matter tomorrow (today). This effort to stop Osun people from exercising their voting rights will fail by the special grace of Almighty God.”
He further assured supporters that Accord Party would remain on the ballot for the upcoming governorship election.
“We will not only be on the ballot, we will win overwhelmingly the forthcoming governorship election.”
ADC Rejects Judgment
The ADC strongly rejected the ruling and warned against any attempt to exclude the party from future elections.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party accused the ruling party of attempting to weaken opposition forces.
The party stated:
“The African Democratic Congress 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.”
ADC insisted that INEC had previously stated that the party had not violated any constitutional requirements for continued registration.
The party further warned:
“Any attempt to eliminate the country’s major opposition party through judicial manoeuvring… is a direct invitation to anarchy.”
David Mark Says Judgment Will Be Overturned
ADC National Chairman David Mark expressed confidence that higher courts would reverse the ruling.
He described the decision as:
“An arrow fired at the hearts of Nigeria’s democracy.”
He added:
“The judgment cannot stand. It will be set aside because it does not pass the test of law and due process.”
Mark reassured party members that ADC would remain on the ballot in 2027.
Political Tension Builds Ahead of 2027
Several opposition figures also criticised the ruling.
National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, questioned the timing of the decision.
“This is terrible, totally unacceptable and very chaotic for Nigeria at this time.”
Meanwhile, the Social Democratic Party described the development as a “recipe for national crisis.”
The controversy is expected to trigger further legal battles and intensify political debates over the future of Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system ahead of the 2027 elections.
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