The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the platform recently adopted by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for his 2027 presidential bid .
Justice Peter Lifu ruled on Monday that the ADC, Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) failed to meet constitutional performance thresholds for continued registration . The suit was filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators .
The ruling has sparked outrage across the political spectrum. Opposition figures warn of a dangerous assault on democracy and a move toward a de facto one-party state . ADC National Chairman David Mark described it as “an arrow fired at the heart of Nigeria’s democracy” , while Peter Obi called for the judgment to be reversed . AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore also condemned the deregistration .
ADC leaders also pointed to a subsisting stay of proceedings issued by the Court of Appeal and have vowed to challenge the ruling, insisting the party will be on the ballot in 2027 . The party has also threatened to petition the National Judicial Council .
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