ABUJA — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has cautioned the Federal Government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against what it described as attempts to use the courts to deregister the party, warning that such a move could trigger a political crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the matter extends beyond its registration status and touches on the broader issue of whether Nigerians will have a credible opposition platform to choose from in the next general election.
The statement followed a judgment delivered by a Federal High Court in Abuja in a suit seeking the deregistration of the ADC and four other political parties.
According to the ADC, any effort to remove the party from the political space through judicial means would undermine democracy and threaten political pluralism in the country.
“We wish 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,” Abdullahi stated.
The party rejected the judgment, insisting that only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) possesses the constitutional authority to register or deregister political parties.
ADC noted that INEC had already informed the court that there was no legal basis for its deregistration. It explained that while the plaintiffs alleged that the party and four others failed to meet constitutional requirements for continued registration, INEC maintained in a counter-affidavit filed in May that the ADC had not violated any registration conditions.
“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 categorically maintained that the ADC had not violated any registration requirements,” the party said.
The opposition party further accused Justice Peter Lifu of continuing with the case despite what it described as a subsisting Court of Appeal order directing a stay of proceedings. It announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) over the judge’s handling of the matter.
ADC also alleged that individuals linked to the Presidency played a key role in promoting the case and questioned the involvement of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
“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 statement added.
The party also raised concerns over the timing of the judgment, noting that it came after the ADC had completed its primaries and was preparing to field candidates for all elective positions in the 2027 elections, including the presidential race.
According to the party, the development suggests a deliberate attempt to frustrate its participation in the next electoral cycle.
“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,” the statement said.
Warning of potential consequences, the ADC argued that removing a major opposition platform through judicial processes could destabilise Nigeria’s democratic system and undermine the political aspirations of its candidates and supporters.
“Any attempt to eliminate the country’s major opposition party through judicial manoeuvring, thereby sabotaging the political aspirations of hundreds of its candidates, is a direct invitation to anarchy,” the party warned.
The ADC pledged to challenge the judgment through all available legal and constitutional means and vowed to protect the rights of its members, candidates and supporters.
The party also assured Nigerians that it would continue preparations for the 2027 elections and remain a participant in the electoral process.
Meanwhile, it urged members and supporters across the country to remain calm and await further directives from the party leadership.
“Whatever it takes, the ADC will be on the ballot so long as the 2027 election is to hold,” the party declared.
ADC Warns Against Deregistration Plot, Vows to Remain on 2027 Ballot
