Senator David Mark, National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has moved swiftly to calm nerves within his party following a controversial Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of the ADC and four other political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, Mark described the ruling by Justice Peter Lifu as “an arrow fired at the heart of Nigeria’s democracy” while receiving a delegation of ADC candidates in Abuja.
He assured members, supporters, and candidates that the party would remain on the ballot in 2027, vowing to challenge the decision through the appellate process.
On Monday, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC along with the Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The suit was filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that the parties failed to meet the constitutional and electoral thresholds under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022.
These requirements typically include winning a minimum percentage of votes in a significant number of states or securing seats in the National Assembly or state houses.
The plaintiffs contended that the affected parties did not satisfy these criteria in recent elections.
The ADC has strongly rejected the judgment, describing it as procedurally flawed and potentially motivated by a desire to weaken opposition voices.
The party highlighted a subsisting Court of Appeal order from May 22, 2026, that allegedly stayed proceedings in related matters, accusing Justice Lifu of disregarding it.
In its official reaction, the ADC alleged an attempt to use the judiciary to undermine Nigeria’s democratic process and cripple opposition ahead of 2027.
The party announced plans to appeal the ruling vigorously and petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) over the judge’s conduct.
Mark’s assurance to party faithful came during a meeting with candidates, underscoring confidence in a favorable outcome at higher courts. “The ADC will be on the ballot in 2027.
I assure all our candidates, members and supporters that this temporary setback will be overcome through the judicial process,” he stated.
About The Author
