Kwara ADC condemned the deregistration decision, alleging plans to paralyze the opposition by 2027

The Kwara State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has categorically rejected the Federal High Court decision ordering the deregistration of the party along with four other political parties, describing the decision as a threat to democratic plurality and an attempt to weaken the opposition vote ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has on Monday directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cancel the registration of the ADC, the Accord Party, the Action People’s Party, the Action Alliance and the Zenith Labor Party, citing alleged failure to comply with the constitutional requirements and electoral performance contained in Article 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the 2022 Electoral Act.

This case was initiated by the National Forum of Former Legislators.

Reacting to the judgment, ADC Kwara, through a statement issued in Ilorin by his Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Basambo, rejected the court decision and vowed to reject what he described as unfair attempts to undermine democratic participation.

“The African Democratic Congress, ADC Kwara State Chapter, totally condemns the recent judgment delivered by Chief Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordering the deregistration of ADC and other political parties.”

The party argued that the decision poses a serious danger to the future of Nigeria’s democracy, and warned that political parties should not be abolished based on electoral performance benchmarks that are not clearly tied to their legal existence.

According to the statement, the decision is an inappropriate interpretation of constitutional provisions and threatens the rights of Nigerians to freely associate and participate in the political process.

“Canceling the registration of political parties by 2027 based on past electoral performance means rewriting the Constitution at the behest of the judiciary,” he said.

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ADC stated that the Constitution protects the right of citizens to form and become members of political parties and emphasized that no judicial authority may abolish this right through so-called artificial electoral standards.

“The constitution guarantees freedom of association and the right to form and become members of political parties. No court can legally eliminate political parties because they do not meet the artificial ’25 percent threshold’ which is not a condition for the existence of parties under our law,” the party said.

Opposition parties further alleged that the decision was driven by political considerations aimed at reducing the power of parties challenging for power.

“This is clearly an attempt by forces within the government to thwart, intimidate and destabilize parties that are credible alternatives in 2027,” he said.

The ADC warned that enforcement of the decision could have damaging consequences for the public’s confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions and electoral system.

“Not only will this kill our democracy, it will also undermine the sanctity and integrity of our electoral process,” the statement warned.

Despite the court’s decision, the party urged its supporters not to lose heart, and expressed confidence that the decision would eventually be overturned.

“The ADC was founded on the mandate of the people, not at the mercy of any judge or government. The will of the Nigerian people cannot be deregistered by any court,” he said.

Addressing party members across the country, ADC Kwara called for calm and patience as the legal process continues.

“To all ADC members in Kwara and across Nigeria, please remain calm. Do not be afraid or panic. This decision will not stand. The truth will take its course.”

The party also expressed optimism about its electoral prospects, and insisted that it would emerge stronger after the controversy.

“With the support of Allah SWT and the resilience of our people, ADC will emerge stronger and record a resounding victory in the upcoming elections,” he added.

The Kwara branch further appealed to INEC not to act hastily on the court order and called on the judiciary, civil society groups and democracy advocates to defend constitutional freedoms and preserve the multi-party democratic system in Nigeria.