Secondus Faults Court Order Deregistering ADC, Four Other Parties

By Margaret Abah

Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus, has criticised the Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of five political parties, warning that the decision could undermine Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja had ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party, ruling that they failed to satisfy constitutional requirements necessary to retain their registration.

Reacting to the development in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, Secondus described the ruling as a threat to democratic competition and citizen participation.

According to the former PDP chairman, the judgment came at a crucial period when some of the affected parties had already concluded internal processes and were preparing for future electoral activities.

He said the decision was not only a setback for the affected parties but also a direct challenge to the principles of multi-party democracy and the rule of law.

Secondus accused the government of attempting to weaken opposition parties, alleging that those in power were uncomfortable with electoral competition.

“They are afraid of the election; they want a coronation,” he stated.

He argued that constitutional provisions relating to the deregistration of political parties were meant to be implemented shortly after elections and not in the middle of an electoral cycle.

According to him, deregistering parties midway into the political cycle could disenfranchise voters, create instability and narrow the democratic space.

“It is judicial rascality to endorse political exclusion by dissolving parties midway through a cycle. This obvious disruption creates unnecessary vacuums and weakens the competitive spirit required for a healthy democracy,” he said.

Secondus maintained that smaller and emerging political parties are essential for broadening political participation and ensuring that diverse viewpoints are represented.

He noted that a vibrant democracy requires room for alternative ideas and warned that dismantling smaller parties would favour established political interests at the expense of grassroots movements.

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