Atiku slams ADC deregistration ruling, calling it judicial rascality and alleging a move to weaken opposition ahead of 2027 elections
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the decision as “the height of judicial rascality”.
Also read: BREAKING: Court orders shocking deregistration of ADC, APP, others
Atiku made the comment in a statement issued by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, alleging that the ruling was part of an attempt to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC and four other political parties over alleged failure to meet constitutional requirements for continued registration.
Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment, directing the removal of the affected parties from the register of recognised political parties.
Reacting to the decision, Atiku accused the ruling of undermining democratic competition and pushing Nigeria towards a one-party system.
“The so-called deregistration of the African Democratic Congress along with other parties by Justice Peter Lifu may yet be the biggest manifestation of Tinubu’s hell-bent bid to undermine the opposition and entrench a de facto one-party state,” Atiku said.
He further alleged that the judgment was delivered despite a pending appeal and an order from the Court of Appeal directing the Federal High Court to suspend further action on the matter.
According to Atiku, the appellate court had issued a stay order in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/CV/569/2026 and Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025, pending the determination of the appeal.
He said the development raised concerns about the state of democracy and electoral competition in Nigeria.
The ADC has also rejected the judgment, stating that it would pursue all available legal options to challenge the decision.
Also read: BREAKING: Court orders shocking deregistration of ADC, APP, others
The party maintained that it would continue its political activities and remain on the ballot for the 2027 general elections.
