ADC Maintains Primary Validity Amid Appeal Against Deregistration
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reaffirmed the legitimacy of its internal primaries despite ongoing legal appeals over the party's deregistration by Nigeria's electoral authorities.
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Abuja, Nigeria — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has stated that the pending judgment in its appeal against deregistration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does not affect the validity of its recently conducted party primaries. The party’s position comes days after the Court of Appeal in Abuja reserved judgment on its challenge, along with four other political parties, to overturn a Federal High Court ruling that upheld the deregistration.
According to a statement reported by Premium Times on July 13, 2026, the ADC emphasized that its internal electoral processes remain intact. “We wish to assure members of the party and the general public that this judgment has no effect whatsoever on the direct primaries through which the party’s candidates have emerged at all levels,” the party said.
The legal challenge stems from a Federal High Court decision that validated INEC’s move to deregister several parties, including the ADC, over alleged non-compliance with electoral regulations. The appeal, heard by a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal led by Justice Abba Mohammed, concluded its proceedings on July 15, 2026, with judgment reserved, Daily Trust reported.
The ADC’s public stance aims to maintain internal stability and electoral momentum while the judicial process unfolds. The party’s assertion underscores the tension between administrative rulings by electoral bodies and ongoing political party activities, particularly in the lead-up to general elections.
Legal experts note that until the appellate court issues its final ruling, the status of the deregistered parties remains in abeyance. The judgment is expected to clarify whether INEC’s authority to deregister parties under the Electoral Act aligns with constitutional provisions on political association.