The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has rejected a Federal High Court judgment seeking its de-registration, warning that any attempt to remove the party from the ballot is “a direct invitation to anarchy” and that government agents pushing it “are playing with fire.”
In a statement issued Monday by National Publicity Secretary,Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi the party described the ruling by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, as “reckless, provocative, and even incendiary” and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and political stability.
ADC said the judgment, filed by the “so-called National Forum of Former Legislators,” contradicts the Constitution which grants INEC the sole power to register or de-register parties. The party noted that INEC, in a counter-affidavit filed in May, stated ADC had not violated any registration requirements or electoral-performance threshold, and that no legal basis existed for de-registration.
The party also accused Justice Lifu of disregarding a subsisting Court of Appeal order of May 22, 2026, directing a stay of proceedings. “The judge chose to flagrantly and contemptuously disregard a clear order of a superior court in a manner that brings into question all known judicial traditions,” ADC said.
ADC linked the case to “agents of the ruling party,” saying it was championed by individuals working with the President’s Chief of Staff. It also criticized the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice for joining the suit as a plaintiff in April, calling it “an absurdity” that signals intent.
The timing, ADC argued, is suspect as it comes after the party concluded primaries and fielded candidates for all positions, including the presidency, ahead of 2027.
“This is no longer simply about party registration. It is about whether the Nigerian people will be allowed genuine political choices in 2027. It is about whether democracy will remain a contest decided by voters at the ballot box or by powerful interests operating through institutions that ought to remain impartial,” Abdullahi stated.
The party warned that eliminating a major opposition party through “judicial manoeuvring” will sabotage the aspirations of hundreds of its candidates and could trigger national instability. “Those who believe they can manipulate institutions of state to narrow the democratic space must understand that they are playing with forces far greater than partisan interests.”
