Atiku Abubakar’s campaign team has reacted to a Federal High Court ruling directing INEC to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a post on X, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, calls the judgment “judicial rascality,” arguing that it reflects an attempt to weaken the opposition and entrench a one-party state. The ruling comes from Justice Peter Odo Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who orders INEC to immediately deregister ADC, the Accord Party, and others over alleged constitutional breaches. According to Ibe, the decision conflicts with an existing stay order from the Court of Appeal, which he says halted further action in the underlying dispute. He also states that an appeal is pending and that there is an active stay-of-action order to counter the High Court ruling. Ibe cites Court of Appeal proceedings and notes the appeal hearing was scheduled for 27 October 2026. The campaign therefore indicates it will pursue available legal remedies while disputing the basis and timing of the deregistration order.
Atiku’s camp condemns Federal High Court order to deregister ADC
Atiku Abubakar’s campaign team has reacted to a Federal High Court ruling directing INEC to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a...
- A Federal High Court in Abuja orders INEC to immediately deregister the ADC and other parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
- Justice Peter Odo Lifu issues the order over alleged constitutional breaches.
- Atiku’s camp, through Paul Ibe, criticizes the ruling as “judicial rascality” and says it undermines opposition.
- Ibe says a pending appeal and an existing Court of Appeal stay order already halt further action in the case.
- The Court of Appeal is said to have issued the stay order dated 22 May 2026 and set an appeal hearing for 27 October 2026.
The camp of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to the Federal High Court judgment ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to deregister the party. In a statement posted on X, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, described the ruling as a manifestation of a bid to entrench a one-party state. Ibe revealed that a pending appeal and an active stay-of-action order already exist to counter the High Court’s decision. Recall that Justice Peter Odo Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to immediately deregister the ADC, Accord Party and others from participating in the 2027 general elections over alleged constitutional breaches. Reacting to the development, Atiku’s aide labelled it the height of judicial rascality and a desperate attempt by the ruling party to undermine the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections. According to Ibe, the High Court ruling directly violates a subsisting order from a higher court, explaining that the Court of Appeal had already intervened to halt the proceedings. He said, “The so-called deregistration of the African Democratic Congress along with other parties by Justice Peter Lifu may yet be the biggest manifestation of Tinubu’s hell-bent bid to undermine the opposition and entrench a de facto one-party state. The judgment is the height of judicial rascality. “The Court of Appeal presided over by Justices Mohammed A. Danjuma, Adebunkunola A. Banjoko, Oyejoju O. Oyewumi had in Appeal CA/ABJ/CV/569/2026 and suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025 ordered Justice Peter Lifu to stay further action on the matter until the hearing and determination of the Appeal before it. The hearing for the appeal was scheduled for the 27th of October 2026. “That order was dated 22nd of May 2026. Nigerians and the international community can see the level of desperation of the ruling party to either have their way in the 2027 elections or destroy our democracy that was purchased at a huge cost.”
12 hours agoThe camp of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to the Federal High Court judgment ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to deregister the party. In a statement posted on X, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, described the ruling as a manifestation of a bid to entrench a one-party […] ‘Judicial rascality’ – Atiku’s camp slams court for deregistering ADC
13 hours agoGuyana nominates Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett for UN Secretary-General
Guyana formally puts forward Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, its Permanent Representative to the United Nations, a...
Akal Takht declares Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann guilty; Congress and BJP respond
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann faces political and religious pressure after the Akal Takht, Sikhism’s highest tempo...
Modi visits Slovakia, holds talks with President Pellegrini and PM Fico to boost trade ties
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Slovakia for the second leg of a European tour, marking the first visit b...