‘You are playing with fire’ — ADC warns Tinubu government after party deregistration by Court

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned the Federal High Court judgment ordering its deregistration, describing the ruling as a dangerous attempt to undermine democracy and weaken opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party alleged that the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, was politically motivated and capable of triggering a major constitutional crisis.

The ADC argued that the ruling contradicted the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which had reportedly informed the court that the party had not violated any constitutional or electoral requirements warranting deregistration.

According to the party, INEC maintained in its court filings that the ADC met all legal conditions for continued registration and that no constitutional basis existed for its removal from the register of political parties.

The opposition party also alleged that the court proceeded with the matter despite a subsisting Court of Appeal order directing a stay of proceedings, describing the development as a violation of established judicial processes.

“The issue before the country is no longer simply about party registration. It is about whether Nigerians will be allowed genuine political choices in 2027,” the statement said.

The ADC accused elements within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and government officials of orchestrating efforts to eliminate credible opposition voices ahead of the next general election.

The party further claimed that the timing of the judgment, coming after it had concluded its primaries and nominated candidates for various elective positions, raises concerns about attempts to influence the political landscape before the polls.

Describing the ruling as “reckless, provocative and incendiary,” the ADC warned against using state institutions to suppress opposition parties, insisting that democracy must remain a contest decided by voters rather than through judicial actions.

The party vowed to challenge the judgment through all available legal channels and announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) over what it described as judicial misconduct.

It also reassured its members, candidates, supporters, and coalition partners that it would continue its political activities and remain committed to participating in the 2027 elections.

“We reject any attempt to intimidate, suppress, deregister, or politically extinguish our party through unconstitutional means,” the statement added.

The ADC called on its supporters nationwide to remain calm while the party pursues legal remedies against the ruling.