The verdict has drawn sharp reactions from key opposition figures, including Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark.
KaNo —
A recent judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja directing the deregistration of five political parties has triggered widespread condemnation from opposition figures, who warn that the decision could undermine Nigeria’s democratic framework ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ruling, delivered on Monday by Justice Peter Lifu, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) over their failure to meet constitutional performance thresholds.
The verdict has drawn sharp reactions from key political stakeholders, including Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark.
They described the judgment as controversial, legally questionable, and potentially damaging to Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
The case, filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, sought judicial interpretation of Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers INEC to deregister political parties that fail to meet specific electoral benchmarks.
According to the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, political parties are expected to win at least 25 per cent of votes in a state during a presidential election or secure at least one elective seat at the national, state, or local government level.
The plaintiffs maintained that the ADC and the four other parties failed to meet these criteria and should therefore lose their registration.
They further urged the court to compel INEC to act swiftly and deregister the parties before preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
Atiku Abubakar, who was the presidential candidate of the ADC in the last election cycle, described the ruling as a “dangerous escalation of authoritarian tactics” and a direct threat to democratic pluralism.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku raised concerns about the legality of the judgment, particularly in light of a subsisting order from the Court of Appeal.
He noted that on May 22, 2026, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, granted a stay of proceedings in the matter pending the determination of an appeal.
According to him, this order effectively halted all actions in the case, including the delivery of judgment.
“A stay of proceedings means precisely what it says—it freezes every further step in the matter,” Atiku stated.
“Any action taken contrary to that order raises serious questions about respect for the hierarchy of courts and fidelity to the rule of law.”he said
He argued that the judgment not only contradicts the appellate court’s directive but also undermines legal certainty and constitutional governance.
“This development should concern all Nigerians who believe in democracy and the rule of law,” he added.
“If court orders can be ignored at will, then the very foundation of our legal system is at risk.”
Beyond legal concerns, Atiku linked the ruling to what he described as a broader effort by the current administration to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
“It is becoming increasingly clear that the government is focused on eliminating viable opposition platforms rather than addressing the pressing challenges facing the country,” he said, citing insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, and rising poverty as issues demanding urgent attention.
“This is not governance; it is political elimination by other means,” he added.
Similarly, ADC National Chairman David Mark warned that the deregistration order could set a dangerous precedent, narrowing political space and limiting citizens’ choices at the ballot box.
He stressed that a vibrant multiparty system is essential for accountability and democratic growth.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke also expressed concern, describing the judgment as capable of eroding public confidence in democratic institutions.
He urged the judiciary to exercise caution in matters that could significantly alter the political landscape.
Others, however, argue that the constitutional provisions cited by the plaintiffs are clear and that political parties must meet minimum performance standards to justify their continued existence.
INEC has yet to issue an official response to the ruling, leaving uncertainty over how and when the directive might be implemented.
The commission had previously exercised its powers under Section 225A to deregister political parties in 2020, a move that reduced the number of registered parties from 91 to 18.
Political observers note that while the constitution empowers INEC to deregister underperforming parties, the timing and manner of such actions are critical, particularly as the country moves closer to another election cycle.
For many Nigerians, the unfolding legal battle raises broader questions about the balance between enforcing electoral standards and preserving political diversity.
Atiku, however, insisted that the ADC would challenge the ruling through all available legal channels. He reassured party members and supporters that the opposition would not be intimidated.
“The battle before us transcends individual parties,” he said.
“It is a struggle for the soul of Nigerian democracy—a contest between those who believe in freedom of choice and those who seek to impose political uniformity.”
He called on the judiciary, civil society organisations, and the media to remain vigilant in defending democratic institutions from undue influence.
“Nigeria’s democracy was not won cheaply,” he said. “It must not be surrendered cheaply.”he stated
As the controversy continues to unfold, the case is expected to test the resilience of Nigeria’s legal system and the strength of its democratic institutions, with significant implications for the political landscape ahead of 2027.
