The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned a Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of several opposition political parties, warning that the ruling could weaken Nigeria’s democratic system.
The judgment, delivered on 15 June 2026, reportedly directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister parties including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APP), Action Alliance (AA), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The ruling followed a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that the affected parties failed to meet constitutional requirements, including securing at least 25 percent of votes in a significant number of states.
In a statement released on its official X handle (formerly Twitter) in reaction to the court ruling, the NDC described the judgment as a dangerous precedent that could reduce political participation and weaken opposition voices in the country.
The party said it stands in solidarity with the affected political parties, rejecting what it described as an attempt to weaken Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
It warned that the development could push the country towards a one-party system dominated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The NDC urged Nigerians to resist any attempt to weaken democratic institutions, insisting that political pluralism remains essential to accountability and good governance.
It further argued that the enforcement of electoral thresholds in this manner could reduce political competition and limit citizens’ choices at the ballot box.
The party warned that while electoral laws are important, their enforcement must not weaken democratic inclusion or threaten the existence of opposition parties in the country.
