ADC rejects deregistration order, vows legal battle to remain on 2027 ballot

The opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly rejected a Federal High Court judgment ordering its deregistration, describing the ruling as an assault on democratic pluralism and a calculated attempt to limit political choices available to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party insisted that it would challenge the judgment through all constitutional and legal means, maintaining that it remains committed to participating in the next general election.

The ADC’s response followed a ruling by the Federal High Court directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister the party and four other political parties over alleged failure to satisfy constitutional requirements relating to electoral performance.

Reacting to the development, Abdullahi argued that the implications of the ruling extend beyond the question of party registration and strike at the core of Nigeria’s democratic future.

According to him, the issue at stake is whether Nigerians will continue to enjoy genuine political alternatives or whether electoral competition will be narrowed through institutional actions rather than the will of voters.

“From our standpoint, the issue before the country is no longer simply about party registration. It is about whether the Nigerian people will be allowed genuine political choices in 2027. It is about whether democracy will remain a contest decided by voters at the ballot box or by powerful interests operating through institutions that ought to remain impartial,” he stated.

The party accused unnamed political forces of attempting to silence alternative voices and weaken opposition platforms ahead of future elections.

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Abdullahi said the ADC would resist any effort aimed at suppressing its activities or excluding it from Nigeria’s democratic process, insisting that millions of Nigerians who identify with the party deserve the right to political representation.

“Let it be clearly stated: the ADC will not stand by while the democratic rights of millions of Nigerians are threatened. We reject any and all attempts to intimidate, suppress, deregister or politically extinguish our party and other opposition parties through means that offend both the spirit and the letter of the Constitution,” he declared.

The opposition party maintained that Nigeria remains a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law and vowed to pursue all legal avenues available to overturn the judgment.

Abdullahi said the party would mobilise democratic stakeholders and defend the rights of its members, candidates, supporters and coalition partners across the country.

“We shall challenge this judgment through every lawful and constitutional avenue available to us. We shall defend the rights of all our candidates, members, supporters and the millions of Nigerians who are looking to the ADC as a credible alternative for national renewal,” he said.

The ADC further alleged that the court ruling forms part of a broader effort to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

In a direct criticism of the administration of President Bola Tinubu, the party claimed that the deregistration move was intended to diminish electoral competition.

“Make no mistake, this is another act of desperation by the ruling party and the government to hand President Bola Tinubu a second term without contest. This will not work,” Abdullahi asserted.

The party warned that any attempt to undermine democratic competition could have far-reaching consequences for national stability and public confidence in democratic institutions.

ADC also announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) over what it described as the conduct of the judge who presided over the case.

According to the party, it would seek a disciplinary review of what it termed “judicial rascality” and actions allegedly capable of bringing the judiciary into public disrepute.

Despite the court ruling, the opposition party urged its supporters nationwide to remain calm and focused while legal steps are pursued.

The party reassured members, candidates and coalition partners that it remains determined to contest future elections and would not abandon its political ambitions.

“We call on all our members, candidates, supporters and coalition partners across the country to remain calm, vigilant and steadfast. Whatever it takes, the ADC will be on the ballot so long as the 2027 election is to be held,” Abdullahi declared.

The party added that further instructions and updates regarding its legal challenge would be communicated through its official channels as efforts intensify to overturn the deregistration order and preserve its place in Nigeria’s political landscape.