INEC Rejects Bid to Deregister ADC, Citing Lack of Legal Grounds

Abuja, Nigeria – A significant development has emerged in the ongoing legal tussle surrounding the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly rejected attempts to deregister the political party. In court documents obtained by our correspondent on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, INEC stated that the application seeking ADC’s deregistration lacks the necessary constitutional and legal grounds.

In its formal submission to the court, INEC argued that its power to deregister political parties is not discretionary but is strictly governed by extant laws and constitutional provisions. The commission emphasized that this authority cannot be exercised arbitrarily or under political influence, underscoring its role as an impartial regulator.

According to INEC’s filing, none of the established constitutional grounds for deregistration, such as failing to meet electoral performance thresholds or breaching registration requirements, have been met or proven against the ADC. This stance by the electoral body is seen by legal analysts as a critical blow to the case, potentially leading to its collapse.

“The power to deregister political parties is neither discretionary nor subject to political pressure, but strictly governed by extant laws and constitutional provisions,” INEC declared in its submission, highlighting the rigidity of the legal framework.

In political and legal circles, INEC’s position is being interpreted as an institutional pushback against what some perceive as attempts to manipulate the judiciary for partisan objectives. This aligns with broader concerns about the weaponization of legal processes to stifle opposition.

Reacting to the development, Phrank Shaibu, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, lambasted the alleged attempt to deregister the ADC as politically motivated. “What we are witnessing is the unravelling of a poorly scripted political ambush designed to cripple opposition voices,” Shaibu asserted, describing the situation as an attack on democratic principles.

Shaibu further added that INEC’s clear position validates long-held suspicions about the true intentions behind the lawsuit. “The fact that INEC itself has come forward to puncture the legal vacuum of this application speaks volumes. It confirms what Nigerians already suspect, that this was never about law, but about intimidation,” he stated.

Warning against actions that could weaken political competition, Shaibu cautioned, “No democracy survives where the ruling party seeks to eliminate competition through the back door. Nigeria is bigger than any administration, and its democratic space cannot be shrunk to accommodate political insecurity.”

The matter remains before the court, and official reactions from INEC or the African Democratic Congress were not available at the time of this report. The commission’s intervention, however, is expected to significantly influence the court’s eventual decision.