The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned the Federal Government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against what it described as attempts to remove the party from Nigeria’s political landscape through judicial means, saying such actions could trigger a major political crisis.
The warning followed a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC and four other political parties over alleged failure to meet constitutional requirements for continued registration. The ruling has generated widespread debate within Nigeria’s political space ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC argued that the issue extends beyond the party’s registration status and raises concerns about the future of multiparty democracy in Nigeria. The party maintained that any effort to eliminate a major opposition platform would deny Nigerians a credible electoral choice.
The ADC further contended that INEC had previously informed the court that there was no legal basis for the party’s deregistration. It also questioned the circumstances surrounding the judgment and announced plans to challenge the ruling through all available legal and constitutional channels.
Describing the development as a threat to democratic pluralism, the opposition party warned that sidelining legitimate political parties through court actions could undermine public confidence in the electoral process. The ADC insisted that it remains committed to participating in the 2027 elections and urged its supporters to remain calm while legal efforts continue.
Meanwhile, several opposition figures have also criticised the ruling, describing it as a setback for democratic competition and expressing concerns about the emergence of a one-party political system.
