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2027: ADC alleges grand conspiracy to eliminate party
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned a Federal High Court judgment reportedly ordering its deregistration, describing the decision as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and warning against what it called attempts to use the judiciary to weaken opposition parties.
In a statement titled, “You Are Playing With Fire,” the party accused certain government agents of seeking to eliminate the ADC through judicial means, insisting that such actions could trigger a major political crisis.
The party expressed concern over the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja 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 ADC, the ruling contradicts constitutional provisions and established judicial procedures. The party noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in a counter-affidavit filed in May, had maintained that the ADC had not breached any registration requirements and had not failed to meet any constitutional threshold that would justify its deregistration.
The statement said INEC had affirmed that decisions relating to the deregistration of political parties must be based strictly on constitutional provisions rather than political considerations or external pressure.
The ADC further alleged that Justice Lifu proceeded with the matter despite being aware of a subsisting Court of Appeal order issued on May 22, 2026, directing a stay of proceedings in the case.
“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,” the party stated.
Describing the development as more than a legal dispute, the ADC said it represented “a dangerous escalation” capable of destabilising Nigeria’s democratic process.
The opposition party also alleged that individuals linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had played significant roles in advancing the case. It specifically referenced the involvement of persons allegedly working with the President’s Chief of Staff and criticised the decision of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, identified as a defendant in the matter, to join the suit as a plaintiff.
The ADC argued that the timing of the judgment was suspicious, noting that it had already concluded its primaries and was preparing to field candidates in forthcoming elections, including the presidential contest.
The party warned that any attempt to remove a major opposition platform through what it described as “judicial manoeuvring” would undermine the political aspirations of its candidates and could threaten national stability.
“This is why we consider this ruling reckless, provocative, and even incendiary,” the statement read, adding that those seeking to narrow Nigeria’s democratic space through state institutions were “playing with forces far greater than partisan interests.”
The ADC urged authorities to focus on addressing the country’s pressing challenges, including economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and growing public anxiety, rather than what it described as efforts to suppress political opposition.
As of the time of filing this report, there had been no official response from the Federal High Court, the Attorney-General of the Federation, or the APC regarding the allegations raised by the opposition party.