A fresh controversy has erupted following a Federal High Court ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties, with opposition leaders and affected parties describing the decision as a dangerous blow to Nigeria’s democracy.
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The judgment came after the National Forum of Former Legislators argued that the parties failed to meet constitutional requirements for continued registration, including winning at least 25 per cent of votes in a state during presidential elections or securing elective positions at various levels of government.
Atiku Raises Alarm
Former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, condemned the ruling, describing it as a serious threat to Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
He noted that the judgment was delivered despite an earlier order by the Court of Appeal, which had stayed further proceedings in the case pending the determination of an appeal.
According to him, the ruling raises serious concerns about respect for the judicial hierarchy and the rule of law.
Atiku alleged that the move formed part of a broader attempt to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
He insisted that the ADC would challenge the ruling through all available legal channels and vowed that democratic freedoms would not be sacrificed.
Adeleke Faults Judgment
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, whose Accord Party is among those affected, also rejected the ruling.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke argued that the judgment violated an existing Court of Appeal order staying proceedings.
He urged members and supporters of the party to remain calm, assuring them that the legal team was already taking steps to overturn the ruling.
The governor maintained that the party would remain on the ballot for the August 15 governorship election in Osun State and expressed confidence that the issue would eventually be resolved in favour of the party.
ADC Says Democracy Is Under Attack
The ADC described the judgment as a dangerous attempt to undermine opposition politics and narrow the democratic space.
The party stressed that INEC itself had earlier informed the court that there were no legal grounds for the deregistration of the affected parties.
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It warned that excluding major opposition parties from future elections could trigger political instability and accused forces within the ruling establishment of attempting to suppress credible alternatives ahead of the 2027 polls.
ADC National Chairman, David Mark, said the judgment amounted to “an arrow fired at the heart of democracy” and expressed confidence that higher courts would reverse the decision.
He assured party members and candidates that the ruling was only temporary and insisted that the ADC would participate in the 2027 general elections.
Opposition Figures React
Former spokesperson for Peter Obi’s Presidential Campaign Council, Yunusa Tanko, criticised the judgment, saying it could create unnecessary tension in the country.
He questioned the timing of the ruling and called on the affected parties to pursue legal remedies.
The Social Democratic Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, simply described the development as a “recipe for national crisis.”
Similarly, the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party condemned the judgment, warning that it could damage public confidence in both the judiciary and the electoral system.
Calls for Calm
Despite widespread criticism, some political figures urged caution.
National Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Osa Director, said the parties still had the right to appeal and advised them to exhaust all legal options.
He noted that the matter should be settled through constitutional means rather than panic or confrontation.
The ruling is expected to trigger a prolonged legal battle, with major opposition figures warning that the outcome could shape the future of Nigeria’s democratic system and determine the level of political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
