ADC alleges judicial interference in deregistration case, warns of threat to democracy

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned against what it described as attempts to use the judiciary to weaken democracy and destabilize Nigeria’s political system.

The party expressed concern over a Federal High Court judgment reportedly delivered by Justice Peter Lifu concerning efforts to deregister the ADC and four other political parties.

The ADC said plaintiffs claimed the parties failed to meet constitutional requirements, while INEC maintained that the ADC had complied fully and had no basis for deregistration.

The party added that INEC also stated that deregistration “cannot be driven by political pressure, sentiment, or the wishes of interested parties” but must strictly follow constitutional provisions.

The ADC criticised the continuation of the case despite a Court of Appeal order issued on May 22, 2026, which directed a stay of proceedings.

It said this amounted to disregard for a superior court order and raised serious concerns about judicial procedure.

The ADC warned that the matter had gone beyond a legal dispute and could threaten Nigeria’s democratic stability.

The party alleged involvement of individuals linked to the ruling party, including officials in the President’s Chief of Staff’s office.

It also described as “an absurdity” the decision of the Attorney-General of the Federation to join the case as a plaintiff despite being a defendant.

The ADC said the timing of the ruling was suspicious as it came after the party had completed its primaries and prepared for the 2027 elections.

It warned that any attempt to remove opposition parties through judicial manoeuvring would amount to “a direct invitation to anarchy.”

The party described the ruling as “reckless, provocative, and even incendiary,” warning against misuse of state institutions.

The ADC said Nigeria’s current challenges make it “deeply disturbing that powerful forces appear more interested in eliminating political opposition than confronting the real crises facing the country.”

It stressed that the core issue is whether Nigerians will have genuine political choices in 2027.

The party declared that “the ADC will not stand by while the democratic rights of millions of Nigerians are threatened.”

It vowed to challenge the judgment through all lawful and constitutional avenues.

The ADC said it would mobilise stakeholders and defend its candidates and supporters nationwide.

The party described the situation as “another act of desperation” aimed at securing a second term for President Bola Tinubu without contest.

It warned that attempts to create what it called a civilian dictatorship would have consequences for national stability.

The ADC said those behind attempts to weaponise the judiciary would bear responsibility for any resulting crisis.

The party confirmed it would petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) over alleged judicial misconduct.

It urged members and supporters to remain calm, vigilant, and steadfast.

The ADC concluded that it would remain on the ballot for the 2027 elections and said “whatever it takes, the ADC will be on the ballot so long as the 2027 election is to hold.”

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