The Kwara State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has spoken out against a Federal High Court ruling that ordered the party's deregistration along with four other political parties. They see this decision as a threat to Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja made this ruling on Monday. He directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC, Accord Party, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, and Zenith Labour Party. This was due to their alleged failure to meet the required performance standards under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022.
The National Forum of Former Legislators filed the suit.
In response to the ruling, Abubakar Basambo, the State Publicity Secretary for ADC in Kwara, issued a statement in Ilorin. The party rejected the decision completely, calling it an attack on their democratic rights.
The statement said: “The African Democratic Congress, ADC Kwara State Chapter, condemns in totality the recent judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordering the deregistration of ADC and other political parties.”
The party warned that this ruling threatens Nigeria’s democratic stability. They cautioned against efforts to weaken opposition parties through court decisions about electoral performance.
They argued that this move distorts the constitutional rights that allow political participation and association.
“To deregister political parties ahead of 2027 on the basis of past electoral performance is to rewrite the Constitution by judicial fiat,” the party stated.
The ADC also claimed that no court has the authority to dissolve political parties based on reasons that are not clearly defined in the law.
“The Constitution guarantees freedom of association and the right to form and belong to political parties. No court can legally erase political parties because they did not meet an artificial ‘25 per cent threshold’ that is not a condition for party existence under our laws,” they said.
The ADC alleged that the court’s ruling was politically motivated, aimed at reducing the strength of opposition parties before the 2027 general elections.
“This is clearly an attempt by forces within the ruling establishment to frustrate, intimidate, and destabilise parties that pose as credible alternatives in 2027,” they said.
The party warned that if this judgment is enforced, it would harm public confidence in the electoral system.
“It will not only kill our democracy, it will dent the sanctity and integrity of our electoral process,” they warned.
The ADC called on its members in Kwara and across Nigeria to stay calm. They believe the ruling will not hold.
“ADC was built on the mandate of the people, not on the mercy of any judge or government. The will of Nigerians cannot be deregistered by any court,” they said.
“To all ADC members in Kwara and across Nigeria, please remain calm. Do not entertain fear or panic. This judgment will not stand. The truth will take its course.”
They added, “With the support of Almighty Allah and the resilience of our people, ADC will come out stronger and record resounding victory in the coming election.”
The party also urged INEC not to carry out the court order. They called on the judiciary, civil society groups, and pro-democracy advocates to defend democratic values in Nigeria.
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