Secondus slams court order deregistering ADC, four other parties

A former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus, has expressed concern over the recent Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of some political parties, warning that the development could have implications for Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system.

PidomNigeria Online had reported that the court presided over by Justice Peter Lifu had on Monday ordered INEC to deregister the ADC, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party, ruling that they failed to meet constitutional requirements necessary to retain their registration.

Secondus, in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, was reacting to the ruling by Justice Peter Lifu, which directed the deregistration of several political parties, including the African Democratic Congress.

The former PDP chairman described the judgment as a development that could narrow political participation and weaken democratic competition if allowed to stand.

He said the ruling came at a critical stage in the political cycle, noting that some of the affected parties had already concluded their internal processes and were preparing for future electoral activities.

According to him, the judgment is “not just a setback for the affected parties but a dangerous assault on the foundational principles of multi-party democracy, citizen participation and the rule of law.”

Secondus argued that political parties play a vital role in providing citizens with alternative platforms and ideas within a democratic system.

Accusing the government of seeking to weaken opposition parties, he said: “They are afraid of the election; they want a coronation.”

The former PDP chairman maintained that the constitutional provisions on party deregistration were intended to be implemented shortly after elections and not in the middle of an electoral cycle.

“To deregister the parties midway effectively disenfranchises voters, creates political instability and narrows the democratic space, especially when a crisis has been deliberately injected into other parties,” he said.

Secondus further described the development as a threat to democratic competition.

“It’s judicial rascality to endorse political exclusion by dissolving parties midway through a cycle. This obvious disruption creates unnecessary vacuums and chills the competitive spirit necessary for a healthy democracy,” he stated.

He added that emerging and smaller political parties are essential for broadening political participation and ensuring that alternative viewpoints are represented in the democratic process.

“A robust democracy requires a low barrier to entry for alternative ideas. By dismantling smaller or emerging parties mid-cycle, the system heavily favours the entrenched political establishment and locks out grassroots movements needed for a robust democracy,” he said.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has since ordered a stay of execution of the Federal High Court judgment pending the determination of appeals filed by the affected political parties.