Atiku’s aide blasts court ruling ordering ADC deregistration, alleges plot against opposition

Paul Ibe, an aide to former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the Federal High Court ruling directing INEC to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and several other political parties.

Reacting via X on Monday, Ibe described the judgment as an attempt to weaken opposition parties and push Nigeria toward a one-party state.

Justice Peter Odo Lifu had ordered the deregistration of the ADC, Accord Party, Action Alliance, Action People’s Party (APP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and others following a suit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators.

Ibe, however, argued that the ruling should not have been delivered because an appeal on the matter is still pending before the Court of Appeal.

He accused the ruling party of trying to manipulate the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that weakening opposition parties would undermine democracy and limit Nigerians’ political choices.