A fresh twist has emerged in the legal dispute involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has opposed attempts seeking the party’s deregistration.
Court documents obtained indicate that INEC filed a strong objection, arguing that the application lacks legal backing and fails to meet constitutional requirements for deregistering a political party.
The Commission maintained that the deregistration of political parties is strictly guided by law and cannot be influenced by political pressure or discretion.
It added that none of the statutory conditions, such as failure to meet electoral performance benchmarks or breach of registration rules, had been established against the ADC.
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According to INEC, the request before the court does not satisfy any of the legal grounds required for such an action.
Legal analysts say INEC’s position significantly weakens the case, given its constitutional role as the regulator of political parties in Nigeria.
The Commission’s submission is also being viewed in political and legal circles as a resistance to what some describe as attempts to use the courts for partisan objectives.
Atiku Describe INEC Move As Failed Political Plot
Reacting to the development, Phrank Shaibu, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, described the move against ADC as a “failed political plot”.
He said the situation reflects an attempt to weaken opposition voices through institutional pressure.
“What we are witnessing is a political ambush designed to silence opposition. INEC’s position has exposed the weakness of that application,” Shaibu said.
He added that no political system should allow the elimination of opposition through indirect means, warning that such actions threaten democratic competition.
The case is still before the court, but INEC’s filing is expected to play a key role in the final determination.
At the time of filing this report, responses from both INEC and the ADC were still being awaited.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.