SDP candidate criticizes party deregistration, offers legal help

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Adewole Adebayo, has criticized the plan to deregister some political parties. He called this move unconstitutional, undemocratic, and harmful to Nigeria’s democratic growth.

Adebayo made his remarks in a statement on his X account on Tuesday. He pointed out that there is no legal, constitutional, or moral reason for the government to suppress political parties through court actions.

His comments came after a recent court ruling that ordered the deregistration of several political parties, including the African Democratic Congress and Accord Party. This ruling has drawn backlash from opposition leaders and other political figures.

He noted that the timing of this decision is concerning, especially since it happened just days after Nigeria celebrated Democracy Day with public events and renewed promises for democratic governance.

Adebayo said, “Deregistration of political parties is a bad omen for our democracy. There is no constitutional, legal or moral basis for these alternative democratic platforms to be truncated and thwarted by the Government with the aid of a judicial decree.

“That this unconstitutional and plainly undemocratic order is coming up just days after we celebrated June 12 Democracy Day with a public holiday and hollow fanfare and national awards.”

The SDP leader acknowledged that his party was not among those affected by the ruling. Still, he believes staying silent in the face of what he sees as injustice would mean abandoning democratic principles.

He urged Nigerians and supporters of democracy to support the parties affected by the ruling.

“The fact that my political party, the SDP, is not affected by this unfortunate situation does not excuse my silence in the face of injustice.

“All lovers of democracy must stand strongly and solidly in solidarity with the African Democratic Congress, Action Alliance, Action People’s Alliance, Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party,” he said.

Adebayo also promised to provide legal and political support to the affected parties as they fight against the deregistration order and seek to restore their status through legal means.

The lawyer called for changes to the constitution to limit INEC’s powers over political parties. He suggested a system where political groups can freely nominate candidates after paying a deposit, which they would lose if they do not get a minimum percentage of votes.

“I therefore offer myself to all those affected political parties to pursue justice and restoration through all legitimate means. I also include in my presidential agenda the need to defang the serpentine INEC from abusive powers and amend the Constitution to remove the powers of INEC to register political parties.

“All political associations should be free to nominate candidates for elections and pay a statutory monetary deposit, which any political parties that do not win 10 per cent of the votes shall lose their statutory deposit. INEC can therefore be limited to ensuring free, fair and credible elections only.

“We do not need more constraints and overheating the political temperature in Nigeria when we should be focusing squarely on bidding.”