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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected a Federal High Court ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the party and four others, describing the judgment as an attempt to use the judiciary to undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered INEC to deregister the ADC, Accord Party, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance and Zenith Labour Party for allegedly failing to satisfy constitutional and electoral requirements outlined in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022.

The judgment followed a suit instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which sought a declaration that INEC was obligated to remove political parties that failed to meet prescribed electoral performance benchmarks. These include securing at least 25 per cent of votes in any state during a presidential election or winning at least one elective position.

Responding in a statement posted on X and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party condemned the ruling as unconstitutional and deeply troubling.

According to the ADC, the decision runs contrary to established legal precedents and even conflicts with positions previously advanced by INEC on the issue of political party deregistration.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) wishes to warn, in the strongest possible terms, against any attempt to use the judiciary as an instrument to undermine democracy and plunge Nigeria into a major political crisis.

“We are deeply alarmed by the judgment reportedly delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a case filed by the so-called National Forum of Former Legislators seeking the de-registration of the ADC and four other political parties. This judgment stands in direct conflict with constitutional principles and all known judicial processes and procedures.”

The ADC maintained that INEC had expressly defended the party’s status before the court, arguing that it remained fully compliant with all constitutional and statutory requirements for political parties.

According to the party, the electoral commission clearly informed the court that the ADC had neither breached any registration condition nor failed to meet any constitutionally prescribed electoral-performance benchmark that could justify its deregistration.

The party quoted INEC as insisting that political parties could only be deregistered on grounds recognised by law, stressing that such decisions must not be influenced by political interests, public sentiment or pressure from vested groups.

Beyond challenging the substance of the judgment, the ADC also questioned the procedure that led to the ruling. It alleged that the Federal High Court proceeded with the matter despite an existing order of the Court of Appeal issued on May 22, 2026, directing that proceedings be stayed.

The party described the development as a violation of established judicial procedure and a disregard for the hierarchy of courts.

We are therefore left in no doubt that this latest development is a continuation of the ruling party’s persistent efforts to undermine the opposition, especially the ADC,” the statement said.

The ADC also raised concerns about the timing of the judgment, noting that it came shortly after the party concluded its primaries and began preparations for the 2027 general elections, including the presidential race.

It warned that attempts to remove a major opposition platform through what it termed judicial manipulation posed a serious threat to democratic stability.

“Any attempt to eliminate the country’s major opposition party through judicial manoeuvring… is a direct invitation to anarchy,” the party stated.

Describing the ruling as “reckless, provocative, and even incendiary,” the ADC argued that efforts to use state institutions to restrict political competition amounted to tampering with the foundations of Nigeria’s democracy.

The party said the case had grown beyond a dispute over party registration and now touched on a broader national question — whether Nigerians would be presented with genuine political alternatives in the 2027 elections.

“Let it be clearly stated: the ADC will not stand by while the democratic rights of millions of Nigerians are threatened. We reject any and all attempts to intimidate, suppress, deregister, or politically extinguish our party and other opposition parties through means that offend both the spirit and the letter of the Constitution.”

Reaffirming its confidence in the rule of law, the party said it would challenge the judgment through all available legal and constitutional avenues. It also pledged to engage democratic stakeholders across the country while continuing to protect the interests of its candidates, members and supporters.

The ADC further alleged that the ruling formed part of a wider effort to weaken opposition parties ahead of the next election cycle.

“Make no mistake, this is another act of desperation by the ruling party and the government to hand President Tinubu a second term without contest. This will not work,” it said.

The party warned that any attempt to create what it described as a “civilian dictatorship” could have far-reaching implications for national stability, adding that those responsible should be held accountable for any tensions arising from such actions.

It also announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council, accusing the trial judge of misconduct and conduct capable of bringing the judiciary into disrepute.

While calling on its members, supporters and coalition partners to remain peaceful, the ADC urged them to stay alert and committed to the democratic process.

The party declared that, “Whatever it takes, the ADC will be on the ballot so long as the 2027 election is to hold.”

The ADC and other opposition parties have repeatedly accused Tinubu and the APC of attempting to dominate the political space and steer the country toward a one-party system.

However, the President and his party have also repeatedly dismissed claims that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party state, insisting that a strong and credible opposition remains essential for democratic growth.

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…move follows discovery of 1,000 vehicles using forged diplomatic, government identification documents

By Gloria Ikibah

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have agreed to strengthen cooperation in a renewed effort to tackle the growing misuse of diplomatic number plates and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s diplomatic system.

The decision was reached during a meeting between the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, and senior officials of the FRSC at the Corps’ National Headquarters on Monday in Abuja.

The discussions, which took place during a courtesy visit to the Corps Public Education Officer and spokesperson of the FRSC, Deputy Corps Commander Osondu Ohaeri, as well as a meeting with Assistant Corps Marshal Operations, Olusegun Ogungbemide, focused on emerging security concerns linked to the proliferation of fake diplomatic number plates and other official vehicle identification documents.

During the engagement, Ebienfa disclosed that the ministry was already intensifying efforts to curb the unlawful use of ambassadorial titles and diplomatic credentials by individuals with no official status.

Mr Ebienfa informed that the Ministry is currently campaigning against the illegal use of Ambassadorial titles by unauthorized persons and some of such persons also use fake diplomatic passports and vehicle number plates.

The meeting also reviewed the outcome of recent enforcement operations conducted by the FRSC across several states aimed at identifying and confiscating illegally acquired diplomatic and government number plates.

According to the Corps, the operations uncovered widespread abuse involving forged registration documents, fake diplomatic plates and unauthorised government vehicle identification.

“The operations, conducted in several states of the Federation, resulted in the interception of one thousand vehicles found to be using fake diplomatic plates, unauthorized government plates, cloned registration documents, and other forms of vehicle identification obtained through fraudulent means”, he said.

Officials of both institutions expressed concern that the abuse of diplomatic identification systems poses serious security risks and damages Nigeria’s international standing.

To address the worrisome development, the two institutions expressed concern that the misuse of diplomatic number plates not only undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s diplomatic privileges and immunities regime but also constitutes a significant national security threat capable of facilitating criminal activities, identity concealment, and other unlawful acts.

They also warned that the practice undermines globally accepted diplomatic protocols and could weaken confidence in Nigeria’s diplomatic framework.

Both agencies agreed that such practices tarnish Nigeria’s international image and undermine established diplomatic norms.

As part of the new collaboration, the Ministry and the FRSC agreed to enhance information sharing, strengthen verification procedures for diplomatic vehicles and accreditation records, and develop a more effective monitoring system for the issuance and use of diplomatic number plates.

The agencies are also exploring technology-driven solutions that would enable real-time verification of diplomatic vehicles through integration of accreditation records and vehicle registration databases.

The two institutions also agreed to explore the establishment of improved verification mechanisms linking diplomatic accreditation records with vehicle registration databases to facilitate real-time authentication of diplomatic vehicles and prevent unauthorized use of diplomatic identities and privileges.

The Ministry commended the FRSC for its enforcement efforts and reaffirmed its commitment to working with security and law enforcement agencies to protect the credibility of Nigeria’s diplomatic institutions.

In the coming months, both organisations are expected to undertake additional consultations and public awareness campaigns to educate stakeholders on the lawful use of diplomatic number plates and the consequences of offences such as forgery, impersonation and unlawful possession of diplomatic documents.

The Ministry reiterated that diplomatic number plates remain the exclusive preserve of accredited diplomatic missions, international organisations and recognised diplomatic personnel, stressing that diplomatic privileges and immunities must never be transferred, sold or exploited by unauthorised individuals.

It also urged members of the public to report suspected cases of misuse of diplomatic number plates and diplomatic identification documents to the relevant authorities as part of efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s diplomatic credibility, national security and international reputation.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial independence and institutional reforms as he commissioned the newly completed 10-unit Court of Appeal Judges’ Quarters in Katampe District, Abuja, describing the project as a strategic investment in the rule of law and democratic governance.

Represented by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the President said the housing estate formed part of a series of judicial infrastructure projects being inaugurated to mark the third anniversary of his administration, stressing that a functional justice system requires more than laws and judicial officers.

“We gather on this important occasion for the commissioning of the 10th Court of Appeal Judges’ Quarters here in Katampe. This event is part of a series of judicial infrastructure projects being commissioned over a three-week period to commemorate the third anniversary of this administration,” Tinubu said.

The President noted that the project was a special intervention by the Federal Government, separate from the judiciary’s statutory budgetary allocations, which he said had also increased significantly under his administration.

“Today’s event is much more than the unveiling of physical infrastructure; it is a tangible demonstration of the Federal Government’s enduring commitment to the welfare, independence, efficiency and dignity of the judiciary,” he said.

“A strong and effective justice sector requires not only sound laws and competent judicial officers, but also the infrastructure and support systems necessary to enable the judiciary to perform its constitutional responsibilities without hindrance.”

Tinubu explained that the provision of modern residential accommodation for judges was aimed at enhancing judicial independence, efficiency and service delivery, emphasizing that the welfare of judicial officers should be viewed as a national investment.

“The welfare of judicial officers is a strategic investment in the rule of law. When judges are provided with secure accommodation and conducive working environments, the entire nation benefits,” he stated.

The President also disclosed plans for further expansion of judicial infrastructure within the district, revealing that additional land had been earmarked for judges of the National Industrial Court, the Code of Conduct Bureau, the Federal High Court and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.

“With all these developments, this area could easily be declared the ‘Judiciary Boulevard,” he said.

Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, for executing the project efficiently.

“I wish to commend my dependable, hardworking and diligent Minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike, CON, and his team for the efficiency with which this directive was implemented,” he said.

The President further challenged state governments to emulate the Federal Government by investing in judicial infrastructure and welfare.

“The responsibility of supporting the judiciary does not rest solely with the Federal Government. State governments have a corresponding obligation to ensure their respective judicial sectors are adequately funded, properly equipped and provided with the infrastructure necessary for effective service delivery,” he added.

In his remarks, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike urged governors across the country to take greater responsibility for the development of federal judicial institutions located within their states, arguing that the courts primarily serve the citizens of the host states.

“Governors, I say this: if there is a federal judicial division in a state, that governor knows those courts are serving their own citizens. The Federal High Court, the Court of Appeal, the National Industrial Court they do not render services to neighbouring states; they serve the host state,” he said.

Drawing from his experience as Governor of Rivers State, Wike recalled how he facilitated the establishment of a National Industrial Court division and judges’ accommodation to save litigants from travelling to Bayelsa State.

“When I visited the President of the Industrial Court, he said move to have an Industrial Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State was stalled by lack of infrastructure. He added that there will be an Industrial Court in Rivers State if I will be willing to provide the necessary infrastructure.

“I immediately replied, ‘I am willing. Give me the designs.’ We took the designs, built the court and provided accommodation. Today, our people no longer face the logistical hazards of travelling to Bayelsa to have their cases heard,” he recounted.

The minister dismissed criticisms that such interventions could compromise judicial independence, insisting that providing infrastructure for judges strengthens rather than weakens the judiciary.

“Taking care of these institutions does not cost us more than we can afford, and it directly guarantees the true independence of the judiciary,” he said.

Wike disclosed that President Tinubu personally encouraged him to prioritize judicial welfare and infrastructure.

“Mr. President told me directly: ‘Do not bother; go ahead and do whatever is necessary to improve the welfare of judges and justices,’” he revealed.

President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, described the project as a milestone in the quest to provide a secure and dignified environment for judicial officers.

She noted that while judicial proceedings occur in courtrooms, the quality of justice delivered is often influenced by the environment in which judges live and reflect.

“These quarters constitute an extension of the intellectual, contemplative space essential to judicial work,” she said.

According to her, secure housing protects judicial officers from undue influence and reprisals, safeguards the integrity of judicial processes, and helps attract and retain experienced judges.

“Building a judiciary fit for the next 50 years requires sustained investment in modern facilities, technological advancement and judicial welfare,” Dongban-Mensem stated.

She expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and Wike for supporting the judiciary, praying that the estate would become a model for replication across other Court of Appeal divisions nationwide.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, disclosed that the project formed part of a larger 40-unit judges’ housing development in Katampe District.

Dauda said the contract, awarded to Messrs. Details to Dots Development Nigeria Limited in September 2024, had been completed according to specifications.

He explained that the estate comprises 10 fully furnished five-bedroom duplexes with detached boys’ quarters, an event centre with a minimum capacity of 150 persons, a neighbourhood shop, recreational facilities, asphalt-paved roads, water supply systems, electricity infrastructure, standby generators, perimeter fencing and a secured gatehouse.

The commissioning comes barely a day after the inauguration of the new Court of Appeal complex in Abuja, underscoring the administration’s renewed focus on judicial infrastructure as part of broader governance reforms.