Obidient Movement Condemns Court Order on Deregistration of ADC, Four Other Parties

By Margaret Abah

The Obidient Movement has condemned the Federal High Court judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties, describing the decision as a threat to political inclusion and democratic participation in Nigeria.

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja had on Monday ordered INEC to delist the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) over their alleged failure to meet constitutional performance requirements.

The ruling followed a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which sought a declaration on whether INEC was constitutionally obligated to deregister political parties that failed to attain stipulated electoral benchmarks.

Reacting to the development, the Obidient Movement, in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its National Coordinator, Dr Yunusa Tanko, expressed concern over the implications of the judgment for Nigeria's democratic space.

The group, which said it shares the political philosophy of Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, warned that limiting the number of political platforms available to Nigerians would weaken democratic participation and citizens' freedom of choice.

“We align strongly with the ideas and principles of His Excellency, Mr Peter Obi, who has consistently demonstrated a different approach to politics by challenging the dominance of a money-driven political system,” the statement said.

The movement stressed that democracy thrives on inclusiveness, political participation and the availability of diverse platforms through which citizens can freely express their aspirations and choices.

“As believers in democratic values, we are concerned about the deregistration of political parties such as ADC, AA, ZLP and APP. A vibrant democracy thrives on inclusiveness, political participation and the availability of diverse platforms through which citizens can freely express their aspirations and choices,” it stated.

According to the group, Nigeria's democratic future must be anchored on fairness, credible institutions and active citizen participation rather than restrictions on political actors.

The movement also reaffirmed its commitment to civic engagement, accountability and voter mobilisation ahead of future elections, urging Nigerians not to withdraw from the political process.

It encouraged citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), describing voting as a vital instrument for shaping the country's future.

“Your PVC is more than a card; it is your voice, your power and your responsibility. Every election is an opportunity to shape the future we desire,” the statement added.