INEC Challenges Deregistration of African Democratic Congress

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has opposed a move to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), asserting that the party has failed to meet the constitutional legal requirements necessary for such action. Court documents reveal that INEC insists the application for deregistration does not satisfy the stipulated criteria, emphasizing that the power to deregister political parties is strictly regulated by law and cannot be exercised arbitrarily or under political pressure.

The ADC's alleged failures include not meeting electoral performance thresholds and breaching registration requirements. The lawsuit seeking the deregistration of ADC is supported by the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the Zenith Labour Party.

Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, representing the Attorney General of the Federation, argues that non-performing parties clutter the ballot and drain public funds. Phrank Shaibu, a senior special assistant to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, described the attempt to deregister ADC as politically motivated, asserting that INEC's position is valid and warning against efforts to weaken political competition in the country.