Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has condemned a Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of the party, describing it as an assault on Nigeria’s democratic system.
A court in Abuja had ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC and four other political parties for failing to meet electoral performance thresholds in the 2023 general election and subsequent by-elections.
The affected parties include the Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that the ruling reflected a growing attempt to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
He also claimed the judgment was delivered despite a pending Court of Appeal order halting further proceedings in the case, insisting that the stay of proceedings should have prevented any judgment.
According to him, the decision raises serious concerns about respect for judicial hierarchy and the rule of law.
Atiku further alleged that the move forms part of a broader pattern of political pressure against opposition figures, accusing the government of focusing on political consolidation rather than addressing insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and economic hardship.
He urged ADC members and supporters not to be discouraged, stressing that the party would challenge the ruling through all legal and constitutional means available.
“The battle before us transcends political parties. It is a battle for the soul of Nigerian democracy,” he said, adding that opposition parties and democratic institutions were under increasing strain.
Atiku also called on the judiciary, civil society, and the media to remain vigilant in defending democratic institutions, insisting that Nigeria’s multiparty system must be protected.
