The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned what it describes as a dangerous attempt to undermine Nigeria's democratic process through judicial means, following a controversial judgment reportedly delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a suit seeking the de-registration of the party and four other political parties.

The party warned that any effort to use the judiciary as a tool for political suppression poses a serious threat to constitutional democracy and national stability.

According to the ADC, the judgment stands in direct contradiction to both constitutional provisions and established judicial processes. The case was instituted by a group known as the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that the affected political parties no longer met constitutional requirements for continued registration.

However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the constitutional body vested with the authority to regulate and supervise political parties, had previously informed the court that the ADC had not violated any registration requirements and had not failed any constitutional electoral-performance threshold that could justify de-registration.

In its filings before the court, INEC reportedly maintained that there was no legally recognised basis for the ADC's de-registration and emphasised that such action could only be taken on constitutionally established grounds—not on political pressure, public sentiment, or the preferences of interested parties.

The ADC also expressed concern over what it described as the disregard of a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal issued on May 22, 2026, directing a stay of proceedings in the matter. The party argued that proceeding despite an order from a superior court raises serious questions about adherence to established judicial norms and respect for the rule of law.

 Concerns Over Political InterferenceBeyond the legal issues involved, the ADC said the circumstances surrounding the case suggest a broader political agenda aimed at weakening opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party pointed to the involvement of individuals allegedly connected to the office of the President's Chief of Staff, as well as the decision of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice—originally listed as a defendant in the matter—to subsequently align with the plaintiffs. According to the ADC, these developments reinforce concerns about attempts to use state institutions to achieve partisan political objectives.

The party further noted that the timing of the judgment is particularly significant, coming after the ADC had successfully completed its internal processes, met all electoral benchmarks and deadlines, concluded its primaries, and begun presenting candidates for the forthcoming elections, including the presidential contest.

A Threat to Democratic Choice

The ADC warned that any attempt to remove a major opposition party from the political landscape through judicial manoeuvring would undermine the democratic rights of millions of Nigerians and potentially destabilise the country's political environment.

The party maintained that the issue extends beyond the question of party registration and speaks directly to the future of democratic competition in Nigeria.

"This is fundamentally about whether Nigerians will be allowed genuine political choices in 2027," the party stated. "Democracy must remain a contest decided by voters at the ballot box, not by powerful interests operating through institutions that ought to remain impartial."

The ADC argued that efforts to narrow the democratic space at a time when Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and growing social anxiety are misplaced and contrary to the national interest.

 Commitment to Constitutional and Legal Remedies

Reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law, the ADC stated that it would challenge the judgment through all lawful and constitutional channels available. The party pledged to defend the rights of its candidates, members, supporters, and the millions of Nigerians who see it as a credible alternative for national renewal.

The ADC also announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) over what it described as judicial misconduct by the presiding judge, arguing that the conduct displayed in the matter has further eroded public confidence in the judiciary.

While condemning what it considers a politically motivated attempt to weaken the opposition, the party called on its members, candidates, supporters, coalition partners, and democratic stakeholders across the country to remain calm, vigilant, and committed to lawful democratic engagement.

The ADC reiterated its confidence that it will remain a lawful participant in Nigeria's democratic process and pledged to continue its preparations for the 2027 general elections.

"The ADC will not stand by while the democratic rights of millions of Nigerians are threatened," the party said. "We will continue to defend constitutional democracy, protect the political choices of Nigerians, and pursue justice through every legitimate avenue available under the law."

 The party concluded by stating that further directives will be communicated through the appropriate channels.