Kwara ADC Fights Court Deregistration Order Ahead of 2027
The Kwara State chapter of the African Democratic Congress has firmly rejected a Federal High Court judgment ordering its deregistration, labeling the move a politically motivated attack on Nigeria's multi-party democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Why did the Federal High Court order the deregistration of ADC?
On Monday, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister the ADC alongside Accord Party, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, and Zenith Labour Party. The ruling stems from a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators. The group claimed these parties failed to meet constitutional electoral performance requirements under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022.
How is Kwara ADC responding to the judgment?
Through its State Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Basambo, the ADC Kwara chapter condemned the ruling in totality. The party views the decision as a dangerous distortion of constitutional provisions that guarantee freedom of association and political participation. Basambo made it clear that no court can legally erase political parties based on an artificial threshold that does not dictate a party's existence under Nigerian law.
To deregister political parties ahead of 2027 on the basis of past electoral performance is to rewrite the Constitution by judicial fiat.
Is the deregistration move politically motivated?
Absolutely, according to the ADC. The party argues that forces within the ruling establishment are using the courts to frustrate, intimidate, and destabilize credible alternatives before the 2027 polls. It is a classic move to shrink the democratic space and limit the choices available to Nigerians. The ADC insists that the Constitution guarantees the right to form and belong to political parties, and no judicial fiat can override that fundamental freedom.
What happens next for the ADC and Nigeria's democracy?
The ADC has urged its members across Kwara State and Nigeria to remain calm and fearless. The party insists that the will of the people cannot be deregistered by any court. They are calling on INEC to resist implementing the order and urging civil society organizations to defend democratic principles. The party warned that enforcing this judgment would destroy public confidence in the electoral process, but assured its base that the truth will prevail.
ADC was built on the mandate of the people, not on the mercy of any judge or government. The will of Nigerians cannot be deregistered by any court.
With resilience and the support of the people, the ADC vows to come out stronger and record a resounding victory in the coming elections. The spirit of the African democratic struggle cannot be silenced by a courtroom technicality.
Which political parties did the court order to be deregistered?
The Federal High Court ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress, Accord Party, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, and Zenith Labour Party.
Who filed the suit that led to the deregistration order?
The National Forum of Former Legislators instituted the suit claiming the parties failed to meet constitutional electoral performance thresholds.
What constitutional provision was cited in the deregistration ruling?
Justice Peter Lifu cited Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution as amended and the Electoral Act 2022 regarding electoral performance requirements.