ADC to Challenge Court Order for Deregistration at Appeal Level

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced plans to take its fight against deregistration to the Court of Appeal following an adverse ruling from the Federal High Court in Abuja. Justice Peter Lifu issued an order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the party from the register of active political parties.

The ADC's National Public Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, confirmed the party will file an appeal to overturn the judgment. Abdullahi stated the party views the court decision as part of a broader pattern of political obstruction but expressed confidence in the party's legal position.

He told journalists during a televised interview on Monday that the ADC maintains it satisfies all constitutional requirements for continued registration and operation. The spokesman rejected characterizations that the party faces terminal decline, noting that ADC has weathered previous institutional challenges and built organisational structures across the country.

The party's decision to pursue appellate review comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 general election cycle. Abdullahi stated that ADC will not yield to what he described as political maneuvering and emphasised the party's faith in Nigeria's judicial system.

He indicated the appeal process would commence immediately, with proceedings expected to begin on Tuesday morning. The sources do not provide details on the original grounds for the deregistration order or the specific constitutional issues the ADC plans to raise on appeal.

No timeline for the Court of Appeal's hearing or ruling was disclosed by party officials.