Atiku Camp Rejects Court Verdict Ordering ADC Deregistration

The camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned a Federal High Court ruling ordering the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing it as a politically motivated move designed to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement posted on X, Ibe described the ruling by Justice Peter Lifu as an attempt to undermine opposition politics and push Nigeria toward a one-party system. He labelled the judgment “judicial rascality” and accused the government of seeking to weaken political alternatives ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Recall that the Federal High Court in Abuja had ordered the deregistration of the ADC, Accord Party, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party and Zenith Labour Party following a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators.

However, Ibe argued that the judgment should not have been delivered because an appeal on the matter is pending before the Court of Appeal. 

According to him, the appellate court had earlier directed the lower court to stay proceedings pending the determination of the appeal scheduled for October 27, 2026.

He further alleged that efforts to deregister opposition parties threaten Nigeria’s multiparty democracy and could limit voters’ choices in future elections.

The ruling is expected to trigger further legal challenges as political stakeholders prepare for the 2027 polls.