INEC Moves to Stop ADC Deregistration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reacted to a court judgment ordering the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties.

The electoral commission has asked the Court of Appeal in Abuja to stop the enforcement of the ruling. Furthermore, INEC expressed surprise that the judgment was delivered despite an earlier court order that reportedly suspended proceedings.

The development has generated fresh debate ahead of the 2027 general election.

Court Orders Deregistration of ADC and Four Others

A Federal High Court in Abuja recently ordered INEC to deregister five political parties.

The affected parties include the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

According to the judgment, the parties failed to meet the required electoral performance threshold during the 2023 general election and subsequent by-elections.

Consequently, the court directed INEC to remove them from its official register.

INEC Challenges the Judgment

INEC has now taken steps to halt the implementation of the ruling.

The commission also supported the appeal filed by the affected political parties.

During proceedings before the Court of Appeal, INEC’s legal team argued that an earlier order had already stopped the delivery of the lower court’s judgment.

Furthermore, the commission stated that it was not officially informed about the judgment before it was delivered.

According to INEC, officials only became aware of the ruling after it was reported by several media organisations.

The commission therefore backed the request for a stay of execution pending the outcome of the appeal.

Electoral Commission Raises Concerns

INEC’s legal representatives told the appellate court that there was already a subsisting order issued on May 22.

The order reportedly restrained the lower court from delivering its judgment while appeals were pending.

However, the judgment was eventually delivered despite the existing legal dispute.

As a result, INEC described the situation as surprising and urged the appellate court to intervene.

Meanwhile, legal experts continue to debate the implications of the ruling and its impact on Nigeria’s democratic process.

ADC Rejects Deregistration Order

The ADC has also rejected the court’s decision.

The party described the judgment as unconstitutional and inconsistent with existing legal precedents.

According to ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, the ruling contradicts previous positions taken by INEC regarding the deregistration of political parties.

Furthermore, the party insisted that it would continue to pursue all available legal options.

Political observers believe the outcome of the appeal could significantly affect preparations for the 2027 election.