Political Earthquake: Abuja Court Orders Deregistration of Major Opposition Parties, Sparks Outcry and Crisis Warnings
A Federal High Court ruling has ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, and others, citing constitutional breaches. However, the affected parties and prominent political figures strongly condemn the judgment, alleging political motivation and a disregard for a subsisting Court of Appeal order for a stay of proceedings. Critics warn the decision undermines democracy and judicial integrity ahead of the 2027 elections.
A ruling by Justice Peter Odo Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action People’s Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) from participating in the 2027 general elections. The order, delivered on Monday, June 15, in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, was in response to a suit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators. The plaintiffs argued that these political parties failed to meet constitutional requirements for electoral spread and performance, specifically requiring them to secure at least 25 per cent of votes in prescribed elections to maintain legal relevance.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) immediately pushed back against the ruling, with its national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, denouncing the decision as a