'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 over the Supreme Court judgment upholding its deregistration, describing the move as a dangerous attack on democracy and vowing to resist the decision through all lawful means.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government following the Supreme Court's judgment upholding the deregistration of the party, describing the move as a dangerous assault on Nigeria's democracy and a deliberate attempt to manipulate the 2027 electoral process.

In a fiery statement released on Sunday by the party's National Publicity Secretary, Yemi Kolapo, the ADC accused the government of using the judiciary 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 judicial conspiracy," the statement read.

The ADC described the Supreme Court's judgment 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 the 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 the judiciary 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 overturn the judgment 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 court judgment 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 independence of the judiciary and the integrity of Nigeria's electoral process.

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