INEC Rejects ADC Deregistration Bid Over Legal Grounds

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) filed a court document rejecting an application to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), asserting that the application failed to meet constitutional and legal requirements for deregistration. INEC emphasized that its power to deregister political parties is strictly regulated by law and cannot be exercised arbitrarily or under political pressure.

Legal analysts indicated that INEC's stance significantly weakens the case against ADC, which was brought forth by the People's Party and the Labour Party, supported by Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi. The lawsuit argues that non-performing parties clutter ballots and drain public funds, referencing Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution.

Phrank Shaibu, a senior special assistant to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, described the attempt to deregister ADC as politically motivated, warning that such actions threaten democratic competition in Nigeria. No official reaction from INEC or ADC was reported at the time of this article.