The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has moved to challenge the Federal High Court judgment ordering its deregistration, declaring that it will approach the Court of Appeal to overturn the ruling.
The party said it would not be discouraged by the court’s decision and insisted that it remains a strong political platform with the capacity to defend its position through legal means.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Monday, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed that the appeal process would begin immediately.
According to him, the ADC has survived difficult moments in the past and is prepared to face another legal battle. He argued that the party has continued to grow despite several political and institutional challenges.
He said: “By tomorrow morning (Tuesday), ADC will be in the Court of Appeal. Ours is a party that was born out of adversity, and we are accustomed to challenges like these.
“We are not distracted by them. Despite the obstacles, we have built a formidable political party and carried out one of the most ambitious internal democratic exercises in the country.
“What we achieved during our primaries is unprecedented and sets a standard that no other political party in Nigeria has matched.”
The latest development follows the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Odo Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC alongside Accord Party, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party and Zenith Labour Party.
The court held that the affected parties failed to satisfy constitutional requirements expected of registered political parties. It also ordered INEC to stop recognising them and prevent their participation in activities connected to the 2027 general elections unless the legal issues are resolved.
The case was filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that the parties did not meet the electoral thresholds required by law to retain their registration.
ADC, however, believes the ruling raises serious constitutional questions and has vowed to pursue every available legal option. Party officials insist that only the appellate courts can determine the final position on the matter.
