ADC REJECTS COURT RULING ORDERING INEC TO DEREGISTER POLITICAL PARTIES, VOWS LEGAL BATTLE

ADC REJECTS COURT RULING ORDERING INEC TO DEREGISTER POLITICAL PARTIES, VOWS LEGAL BATTLE

The Ondo State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned a recent judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC and several other political parties, describing the ruling as legally flawed and a threat to Nigeria’s democratic system.

In a press release issued by the party’s Secretary-Elect in Ondo State, Ambassador Kunle Adeloye, the ADC described the judgment as per incuriam, a legal term used to describe a decision reached without proper consideration of relevant laws or established legal principles.

Adeloye argued that the court’s decision failed to take into account constitutional provisions, the Electoral Act, and citizens’ rights to freely associate with political parties of their choice.

According to him, the judgment poses a significant risk to Nigeria’s multi-party democratic structure and could undermine the constitutional rights of millions of Nigerians affiliated with the affected political parties.

“This judgment is per incuriam and represents a dangerous assault on Nigeria’s multi-party democracy. The court appears to have overlooked fundamental provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, and the rights of millions of Nigerians who have chosen to associate with the ADC and other parties,” Adeloye stated.

He further noted that deregistering political parties through judicial directives could weaken democratic participation and restrict citizens’ ability to freely engage in the country’s political process.

The ADC official maintained that the party remains active and committed to promoting good governance, economic development, and the welfare of citizens both in Ondo State and across Nigeria.

Adeloye expressed confidence in the strength of the party’s structure, assuring members that the ruling would not affect ongoing party activities or discourage supporters.

He also called on INEC to proceed cautiously regarding the implementation of any directives arising from the court judgment, stressing the need to uphold due process and the rule of law.

The ADC Secretary-Elect urged civil society organisations, legal practitioners, political stakeholders, and other democratic institutions to resist any move capable of limiting political plurality in Nigeria.

He further appealed to appellate courts to urgently review the judgment, describing the decision as a serious miscarriage of justice that could negatively affect Nigeria’s democratic space.

Adeloye reassured party candidates and members not to panic, stating that the party’s legal team would challenge the ruling through the appeal process.

He added that the ADC remains committed to mobilising Nigerians who believe in justice, equity, and democratic governance while pursuing every lawful avenue to defend the rights of its members and supporters.

The Federal High Court ruling has generated discussions among political observers, with attention now turning to possible legal appeals and the position INEC may take regarding implementation.