‎You Are Playing With Fire, ADC Warn Over Court-Ordered Deregistration‎

…Accuses Government of Undermining Democracy
‎

‎ The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned a Federal High Court judgment ordering its deregistration, describing the ruling as a threat to Nigeria’s democratic system and accusing government officials of orchestrating efforts to weaken opposition parties ahead of future elections.
‎
‎In a statement released on Monday, the party warned that attempts to use the judiciary to eliminate political opposition could trigger a major political crisis and undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.
‎
‎The ADC specifically criticized Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja over a judgment reportedly delivered in a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators seeking the deregistration of the ADC and four other political parties.
‎
‎According to the party, the ruling contradicts constitutional provisions and established judicial procedures, particularly because the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had previously maintained that the ADC had not violated any legal or constitutional requirements that would justify deregistration.
‎
‎The opposition party noted that INEC, in a counter-affidavit filed before the court in May, stated that the ADC remained compliant with registration regulations and had not failed any constitutional electoral-performance threshold required for continued existence.
‎
‎The party also alleged that the trial court proceeded despite a subsisting order from the Court of Appeal issued on May 22, 2026, which reportedly directed a stay of proceedings on the matter.
‎
‎ADC leaders argued that the development goes beyond a legal dispute and represents what they described as a coordinated effort by individuals linked to the ruling administration to weaken opposition politics in the country.
‎
‎The party further questioned the involvement of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in the case, claiming his participation heightened concerns about political interference.
‎
‎Describing the timing of the judgment as suspicious, the ADC said the ruling came after it had successfully concluded its party primaries and prepared candidates for upcoming elections, including the presidential race.
‎
‎The party warned that any attempt to remove a major opposition platform through judicial means could disenfranchise numerous candidates and their supporters, with potentially serious consequences for national stability.
‎
‎”Any effort to shrink the democratic space by eliminating opposition voices is an invitation to political unrest,” the party stated, while calling on democratic institutions to uphold the rule of law and protect political pluralism.
‎
‎The controversy comes amid heightened political tensions as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections, with observers closely monitoring developments that could shape the country’s democratic landscape.
‎
‎