The Kwara State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected a Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of the party and four other political parties, describing the decision as a threat to Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and an attempt to weaken opposition voices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party made its position known on Monday in a statement issued in Ilorin by its State Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Basambo.
The reaction followed a judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC, Accord Party, Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The court held that the parties failed to meet constitutional requirements relating to electoral performance and spread, particularly provisions under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and the Electoral Act 2022.
The suit that led to the judgment was filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that the affected parties had failed to satisfy the conditions required to remain registered political parties in Nigeria.
The group maintained that political parties are expected to secure a specified level of electoral support and should be deregistered if they fail to meet those standards.
However, the ADC in Kwara State strongly disagreed with the ruling, insisting that it represented a dangerous precedent capable of undermining democratic principles and limiting citizens’ political choices.
“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 statement said.
According to the party, the judgment amounted to a direct assault on constitutional freedoms, particularly the rights of Nigerians to freely associate and participate in political activities.
It argued that using previous electoral performance as a basis for deregistering political parties amounted to an interpretation of the law that goes beyond the powers of the court.
“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 further insisted that no court has the legal authority to dissolve political parties on grounds that are not expressly stated in the Constitution.
“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,” it added.
The party also alleged that the ruling was politically motivated and aimed at reducing the influence of opposition parties before the next 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,” the statement said.
Although the party did not provide evidence to support the allegation, it warned that implementing the judgment could have serious implications for Nigeria’s democracy.
According to the ADC, the move could weaken public confidence in the electoral process and create doubts about the fairness of future elections.
“It will not only kill our democracy, it will dent the sanctity and integrity of our electoral process,” the party warned.
The development has renewed public debate over the place of smaller political parties in Nigeria’s democratic system.
Nigeria currently operates a multi-party democracy, with several registered parties participating in elections at various levels. While only a few parties have consistently won major offices, smaller parties often serve as platforms for emerging politicians and alternative political ideas.
Supporters of stricter regulations argue that many political parties exist only on paper and contribute little to electoral competition. They believe that reducing the number of inactive parties could strengthen the electoral system and make the ballot less crowded.
Critics, however, insist that democracy flourishes when citizens have a broad range of political options. They argue that smaller parties help deepen democratic participation and can evolve into stronger political movements over time.
The ADC sought to reassure its members and supporters that the judgment would not mark the end of the party’s activities.
“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,” the statement declared.
The party urged its members across Kwara State and the country to remain calm and avoid panic, expressing confidence that the decision would eventually be overturned.
“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,” it said.
The statement also expressed optimism about the party’s future electoral prospects.
“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,” it added.
The Kwara ADC further called on INEC not to hastily implement the court order, urging the electoral body to protect democratic values and ensure fairness.
It also appealed to the judiciary, civil society organisations and pro-democracy groups to defend constitutional principles and resist any action capable of shrinking Nigeria’s democratic space.
As of the time of filing this report, INEC had not issued an official response to the party’s appeal, while there were indications that the affected parties could challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal.