INEC Rejects Attempt to Deregister African Democratic Congress

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally opposed a move to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), asserting that the application to do so does not meet constitutional requirements. INEC emphasized that its power to deregister political parties is not discretionary and is strictly governed by existing laws.

Legal experts have interpreted INEC's stance as a major setback for the proposed suit, which is perceived as an attempt to silence opposition voices in Nigeria. Frank Shaibu, Senior Special Assistant to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, described the deregistration effort as a desperate plot aimed at crippling opposition.

He noted that INEC's resistance reinforces its independence at a time when political interference is a growing concern. The matter remains sub judice, with the court yet to rule on the application, but INEC's position suggests a strong defense of its constitutional role in regulating political parties in Nigeria.