The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected a Federal High Court judgment reportedly ordering its de-registration.
The party described the ruling as a threat to democracy and warned against actions capable of destabilising Nigeria’s political system.
This is contained in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.
Abdullahi said the judgment contradicted constitutional provisions and electoral laws governing political parties.
He warned that removing the party from the ballot could trigger political instability ahead of the 2027 elections.
Abdullahi said the constitution vested powers to register or deregister political parties solely in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He stated that INEC had informed the court through a counter-affidavit that the ADC breached no constitutional requirements.
“INEC categorically maintained that the ADC had not violated any registration requirements,” Abdullahi said.
The party spokesman added that INEC insisted there was no legal basis for removing the party from the register.
He also faulted the judgment, citing a subsisting Court of Appeal order directing a stay of proceedings.
According to him, the trial judge proceeded in spite of being aware of the appellate court’s directive issued on May 22.
Abdullahi described the development as dangerous and capable of weakening Nigeria’s democratic process.
He said the ruling could erode public confidence in key institutions responsible for protecting democracy.
Abdullahi also questioned the involvement of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
He described the situation as troubling and part of alleged efforts to undermine opposition voices.
“We are left in no doubt that this latest development is a continuation of efforts to undermine the opposition,” Abdullahi said.
He argued that the timing of the judgment raised concerns because the party had completed its primaries.
He noted that the party had also fielded candidates for the 2027 general elections before the reported judgment.
The spokesperson warned that eliminating a major opposition party through judicial means could threaten political stability.
He vowed that the party would challenge the judgment through all lawful and constitutional channels available.
Abdullahi said the party would also mobilise democratic stakeholders in defence of its political rights.
He urged ADC members, candidates, supporters and coalition partners to remain calm and vigilant.
“We reject any attempt to intimidate, suppress, deregister or politically extinguish our party,” Abdullahi stated.
