'You Are Playing with Fire' — ADC Warns Govt Over Deregistration Order

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, describing its deregistration as a dangerous attack on democracy and vowing to resist the decision through all lawful means.

In a fiery statement released on Sunday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Yemi Kolapo, the ADC accused the government of using state institutions to eliminate political opponents and consolidate power ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The government is playing with fire. This is a direct assault on the democratic rights of millions of Nigerians who have chosen the ADC as their political platform. We will not sit back and allow our party to be destroyed by an orchestrated conspiracy,” the statement read.

The ADC described its deregistration as “a travesty of justice” and vowed to explore all lawful avenues to challenge the decision and protect the party’s constitutional rights.

The party also alleged that the deregistration was politically motivated, targeting the ADC because it has emerged as a formidable opposition platform with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

“This is not about electoral performance or compliance with INEC regulations. This is about eliminating political competition and ensuring that the ruling party faces no serious challenge in 2027. But we will resist this with everything we have,” the ADC stated.

The party called on Nigerians, civil society organisations, the international community and pro-democracy groups to condemn what it described as “the weaponisation of institutions against opposition parties.”

The ADC also urged its members, supporters and leaders across the country to remain calm, united and resolute, assuring them that the party’s legal team is working round the clock to challenge the decision and restore the party’s legal status.

“We are not going anywhere. The ADC remains alive, strong and determined to contest the 2027 elections. No action taken against us will stop us from fighting for the soul of Nigeria,” the statement concluded.

The deregistration of the ADC, alongside four other political parties, has sparked widespread controversy and raised concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.

Political analysts warn that the development could trigger a constitutional crisis and disrupt the political calculations of opposition parties and millions of voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.