Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned a Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of the ADC and four other political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ruling, delivered on Monday, June 15, by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately deregister the affected parties for allegedly failing to meet constitutional requirements governing political parties in Nigeria.
The parties affected by the judgment include the ADC, Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party, Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Targeting Opposition
Reacting to the court’s decision through a statement issued by his spokesperson, Paul Ibe, Atiku accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of attempting to weaken opposition parties and create what he described as a “de facto one-party state.”
The former vice president described the ruling as the “height of judicial rascality,” arguing that the trial court acted despite an earlier order from the Court of Appeal.
According to Ibe, a panel of the Court of Appeal, comprising Justices Mohammed A. Danjuma, Adebunkunola A. Banjoko, and Oyejoju O. Oyewumi, had on May 22, 2026, ordered a stay of further proceedings in the matter pending the hearing of the appeal.
He stated that the appellate court had already fixed October 27, 2026, for hearing the case.
Atiku Raises Alarm Over Democracy
The statement further alleged that the federal government was desperate to influence the outcome of the 2027 elections.
“Nigerians and the international community can see the level of desperation of the government of the ruling party to either have their way in the 2027 elections or destroy our democracy that was purchased at a huge cost,” the statement said.
Nigerians React
The court ruling and Atiku’s response have generated mixed reactions among Nigerians.
Vincent Aneke questioned the interpretation of the Court of Appeal’s order, arguing that it contained issues that should be carefully examined.
Oladipupo, another commentator, described the judgment as an attempt to weaken the ADC, insisting that the party would remain on the ballot and eventually form the next government.
Yusuf Isah criticized Atiku’s involvement in the party, while another commentator, Dr. Jay, suggested that recent developments justified the decision of some politicians to distance themselves from the ADC.
The ruling is expected to spark further legal and political battles as affected parties consider their next steps ahead of the 2027 general elections.
