You Are Playing With Fire’, ADC Warns FG Agents Over Attempted De-registration, NDC Pledges Solidarity
The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has warned “government agents” against using the judiciary to de-register the party, saying such moves amount to “playing with fire” and could plunge Nigeria into political crisis.
In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC condemned a judgment reportedly delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a suit filed by the so-called National Forum of Former Legislators seeking the de-registration of the ADC and four other parties.
The party described Justice Lifu as “a threat to democracy” and accused him of disregarding constitutional principles and a subsisting Court of Appeal order.
ADC said INEC, in a counter-affidavit filed in May, maintained that the party had not violated any registration requirements or failed constitutional electoral-performance thresholds.
“INEC made it clear that the de-registration of a political party cannot be driven by political pressure, sentiment, or the wishes of interested parties. It must be based strictly on constitutionally established grounds, none of which had been proven against the ADC,” the statement read.
The party expressed concern that Justice Lifu proceeded with the case despite a Court of Appeal order of May 22, 2026, directing a stay of proceedings. ADC said the judge’s action “brings into question all known judicial traditions.”
*Alleged Ruling Party Interference*
ADC linked the suit to agents of the ruling APC, noting that the case was “championed directly by individuals working with the President’s Chief of Staff.” It also faulted the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice for joining the matter as a plaintiff in April despite being a second defendant.
“This latest development is a continuation of the ruling party’s persistent efforts to undermine the opposition, especially the ADC,” Abdullahi said. The party argued the timing is suspicious as it comes after ADC concluded primaries and began fielding candidates for 2027, including the presidential election.
ADC warned that eliminating the main opposition through judicial means would be “a direct invitation to anarchy” and sabotage the aspirations of hundreds of its candidates.
“This is another act of desperation by the ruling party and the government to hand President Tinubu a second term without contest. This will not work,” the party declared, adding that “democracy cannot be strangled without consequences for national stability.”
The party said it will petition the National Judicial Council over what it called “judicial rascality” and will challenge the judgment through all lawful avenues. It urged members and supporters to “remain calm, vigilant, and steadfast,” insisting that “whatever it takes, the ADC will be on the ballot so long as the 2027 election is to hold.”
Meanwhile the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has also condemned the Federal High Court judgment deregistering the ADC, Accord, APP, ZLP and other opposition parties.
“We at the Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC stand in solidarity with these opposition parties and call on every Nigerian to resist the attempt by the rudderless APC to drift our nation into a one-party state,” the NDC said.
“An injury to one is an injury to all,” it added, describing the court judgment as one that “must be condemned by all and sundry.”
Further directives, ADC said, will be communicated through appropriate channels.
