On 14 June 2026, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties over alleged constitutional breaches, prompting the ADC to reject the ruling as judicial rascality and a plot to cripple opposition ahead of the 2027 elections. The stated ground for the deregistration were that the parties allegedly failed the constitutional threshold of electoral support for continued registration, especially under Section 225A/225 of the Constitution and related electoral rules. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Justices Mohammed A. Danjuma, Adebunkunola A. Banjoko, and Oyejoju O. Oyewumi, had previously issued a stay of execution on 22 May 2026, ordering Justice Lifu to halt further action in the deregistration process pending the appeal hearing scheduled for 27 October 2026, in Appeal CA/ABJ/CV/569/2026 and suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025. Despite this, the Federal High Court proceeded with the deregistration issued on 14 June 2026. On 16 June 2026, the Court of Appeal issued another stay of execution halting enforcement of Justice Lifu’s deregistration order.
Critics, including former Vice President Senator David Mark and the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, have condemned the deregistration as part of President Tinubu’s alleged bid to undermine opposition and entrench a one-party state, raising concerns about threats to Nigeria’s democracy. The deregistration is considered a case of improper judicial or administrative interference, highlighting risks to freedom of association. Political participation and political pluralism are further undermined with the deregistration threat directly affecting opposition competition and voter choice. The fact that the deregistration proceeded despite a Court of Appeal stay of execution decision also weakens institutional credibility and the rule of law.