ADC rejects deregistration ruling, accuses APC of plot to stifle opposition ahead 2027

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the Federal High Court judgment ordering its deregistration, describing the ruling as a threat to democratic pluralism and an attempt to deny Nigerians genuine political choices ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party vowed to challenge the judgment through all available constitutional and legal channels, insisting that it would remain on the ballot for the next general election.

The ADC’s reaction followed a Federal High Court ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the party and four others over alleged failure to meet constitutional requirements relating to electoral performance.

Responding to the development, Abdullahi argued that the controversy extends beyond the issue of party registration and touches on the future of Nigeria’s democracy.

“From our standpoint, the issue before the country 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,” he said.

The opposition party accused unnamed forces of attempting to suppress alternative political voices and warned against what it described as efforts to weaken democratic competition.

“Let it be clearly stated: the ADC will not stand by while the democratic rights of millions of Nigerians are threatened. We reject any and all attempts to intimidate, suppress, deregister or politically extinguish our party and other opposition parties through means that offend both the spirit and the letter of the Constitution,” Abdullahi stated.

He maintained that Nigeria remains a nation governed by law and insisted that the party would vigorously resist any move aimed at excluding it from the democratic process.

According to him, the ADC would mobilise democratic stakeholders and defend the rights of its members, candidates and supporters across the country.

“We shall challenge this judgment through every lawful and constitutional avenue available to us. We shall defend the rights of all our candidates, members, supporters and the millions of Nigerians who are looking to the ADC as a credible alternative for national renewal,” he said.

The party further alleged that the ruling formed part of a broader strategy to weaken opposition forces ahead of the next presidential election.

“Make no mistake, this is another act of desperation by the ruling party and the government to hand President Bola Tinubu a second term without contest. This will not work,” Abdullahi said.

He warned that any attempt to undermine democratic competition could have serious implications for national stability, adding that democracy must not be subverted through institutional manipulation.

The ADC also announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) over what it described as the conduct of the presiding judge in the case.

According to the party, it would seek disciplinary review of what it termed “judicial rascality” and actions capable of bringing the judiciary into disrepute.

Despite the court ruling, the opposition party urged its members, supporters and coalition partners to remain calm and continue mobilising for future political engagements.

“We call on all our members, candidates, supporters and coalition partners across the country to remain calm, vigilant and steadfast. Whatever it takes, the ADC will be on the ballot so long as the 2027 election is to hold,” Abdullahi declared.

The party said further directives would be communicated through its official channels as it prepares to challenge the judgment.