The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kwara State Chapter has declared that the Federal High Court judgment, Abuja ordering the deregistration of the party and four other political parties is politically motivated
Penpushing reports that the party reacting to the judgment in a statement issued by Publicity Secretary, of the party, Abubakar Basambo in Ilorin condemned it, describing the decision as a direct assault on Nigeria’s multi-party democracy
The Chapter added that it rejected the ruling in its entirety, insisting it amounted to an attack on democratic freedoms describing the decision as dangerous to Nigeria’s democratic stability and warned against any attempt to weaken opposition parties through judicial interpretation of electoral performance thresholds.
“The African Democratic Congress, ADC Kwara State Chapter, condemns in totality the recent judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordering the deregistration of ADC and other political parties.”
Penpushing further reports that the party in the statement argued that the move amounted to a distortion of constitutional provisions guaranteeing political participation and association, stressing that to deregister political parties ahead of 2027 on the basis of past electoral performance is to rewrite the Constitution by judicial fiat.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) maintained that no court has the power to dissolve political parties on grounds not clearly provided for in law.
“To deregister political parties ahead of 2027 on the basis of past electoral performance is to rewrite the Constitution by judicial fiat, The constitution guarantees freedom of association and the right to form and belong to political parties’ the party stated,
‘No court can legally erase political parties because they did not meet an artificial ‘25 per cent threshold’ that is not a condition for party existence under our laws. This is clearly an attempt by forces within the ruling establishment to frustrate, intimidate and destabilise parties that pose as credible alternatives in 2027’, it said.
Penpushing also reports that African Democratic Congress (ADC), while warning of wider consequences, pointed out that the judgment, if enforced, would undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
The party stated that it will not only kill democracy, it will dent the sanctity and integrity of the electoral process, however, urged its members across Kwara State and Nigeria to remain calm, insisting that the ruling would not stand.
“ADC was built on the mandate of the people, not on the mercy of any judge or government. The will of Nigerians cannot be deregistered by any court. To all ADC members in Kwara and across Nigeria, please remain calm. Do not entertain fear or panic. This judgment will not stand. The truth will take its course. With the support of Almighty Allah and the resilience of our people, ADC will come out stronger and record resounding victory in the coming election,” it added.
Penpushing further reports that the party called on Independent National Electoral Commisssion (INEC) to resist implementing the court order and urged the judiciary, civil society organisations and pro-democracy advocates to defend democratic principles in Nigeria.
The suit, it would be recalled was instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislator, and Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivering judgment on Monday directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Penpushing also reports the judgment was equally extended to Accord Party, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance and Zenith Labour Party over alleged failure to meet constitutional electoral performance requirements, including provisions under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022.
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