The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected a Federal High Court ruling ordering its deregistration and has vowed to challenge the judgment through all available legal and constitutional channels.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu as contrary to constitutional principles and established judicial procedures. The ADC argued that the ruling ignored the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which had reportedly informed the court that the party had not violated any registration requirements or constitutional electoral-performance thresholds.
According to the party, INEC maintained that no legally recognized grounds existed for its deregistration and that such action could only be taken based on constitutionally prescribed conditions.
The ADC further alleged that the court proceeded despite a subsisting Court of Appeal order directing a stay of proceedings in the matter. The party described the development as a threat to democratic principles and warned against what it called attempts to weaken opposition parties through judicial means.
The opposition party also claimed that the timing of the judgment was suspicious, coming after it had concluded its primaries and begun preparations for the 2027 elections. It argued that any effort to remove major opposition parties from the political landscape could undermine democratic competition and voter choice.
The ADC announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC), accusing the presiding judge of conduct capable of bringing the judiciary into disrepute.
Reaffirming its commitment to participating in the 2027 elections, the party urged its members, candidates, supporters, and coalition partners to remain calm while it pursues legal remedies against the ruling.
