Kwara ADC Rejects Deregistration, Condemns Judgment

The Kwara State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has vehemently condemned a Federal High Court judgment that ordered the deregistration of the party and four others, labeling the decision a direct assault on Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

The judgment, delivered on Monday by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC, Accord Party, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, and Zenith Labour Party. The court cited their alleged failure to meet constitutional electoral performance requirements, including provisions under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022.

In a statement issued in Ilorin by its State Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Basambo, the ADC Kwara State chapter unequivocally rejected the ruling, asserting it constituted an attack on democratic freedoms.

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

The party characterized the decision as a threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability and cautioned against any attempts to weaken opposition parties through judicial interpretations of electoral performance thresholds.

It argued that such a move distorts constitutional provisions guaranteeing political participation and association.

“To deregister political parties ahead of 2027 based on past electoral performance is to rewrite the Constitution by judicial fiat,” the statement read.

The ADC further maintained that no court possesses the authority to dissolve political parties on grounds not explicitly provided for in law.

“The Constitution guarantees freedom of association and the right to form and belong to political parties. No court can legally erase political parties because they did not meet an artificial ’25 per cent threshold’ that is not a condition for party existence under our laws,” the party stated.

The ADC alleged that the ruling was politically motivated, designed to weaken opposition platforms in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.

“This is clearly an attempt by forces within the ruling establishment to frustrate, intimidate and destabilise parties that pose as credible alternatives in 2027,” it asserted.

Warning of broader consequences, the party stated that the judgment, if enforced, would erode public confidence in the electoral process.

“It will not only kill our democracy, but it will also dent the sanctity and integrity of our electoral process,” it cautioned.

Despite its strong condemnation, the party urged its members across Kwara State and Nigeria to remain calm, expressing confidence that the ruling would not stand.

“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,” it affirmed.

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

“With the support of Almighty Allah and the resilience of our people, ADC will come out stronger and record resounding victory in the coming election,” the statement concluded.

The party called on INEC to resist implementing the court order and appealed to the judiciary, civil society organizations, and pro-democracy advocates to defend democratic principles in Nigeria.