ADC, Accord Reject Court Order on Deregistration, Vow to Remain in 2027 Elections
Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Accord Party have strongly criticized a Federal High Court judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister their parties alongside four others, describing the ruling as a threat to democracy and the country’s multi-party system.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu in Abuja, ordered INEC to withdraw recognition from ADC, Accord, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), citing their failure to meet constitutional requirements for continued registration. The court also barred the affected parties from participating in future elections, including the 2027 general polls.
Reacting to the verdict, ADC accused the Federal Government and the ruling APC of attempting to weaken opposition parties through the judiciary. The party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark, insisted that ADC would remain on the ballot in 2027, expressing confidence that the judgment would be overturned on appeal.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, whose Accord Party was also affected, argued that the ruling violated an earlier Court of Appeal order that directed the trial court to suspend proceedings pending the determination of an appeal. He maintained that Accord would participate in the forthcoming Osun governorship election and urged supporters to remain calm.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ADC’s presidential candidate, condemned the judgment, alleging that it formed part of a broader effort to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 elections. He vowed that the party would pursue all legal options to challenge the decision.
Similarly, African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore described the ruling as undemocratic, warning that deregistering parties that had already conducted primaries undermines the principles of a multi-party democracy.
Also reacting, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, expressed concern over what he described as the growing politicization of national institutions. He warned that weakening public confidence in the judiciary could damage Nigeria’s democratic reputation and discourage investment.
The controversy stems from a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that the affected parties failed to meet constitutional performance benchmarks in previous elections. While the Attorney-General of the Federation supported the suit, INEC and the affected parties opposed it, setting the stage for further legal battles over the ruling.
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