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“YOU ARE PLAYING WITH FIRE”, ADC WARNS GOVERNMENT AGENTS SEEKING PARTY DE-REGISTRATION – JUSTICE PETER LIFU IS A THREAT TO DEMOCRACY, SAYS PARTY

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected a Federal High Court judgment concerning its de-registration, describing the ruling as a threat to democracy and political stability, and warns of the dire consequences that may follow any effort to remove the party from the ballot.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party argued that the curious judgment is yet the clearest evidence of the desperation of the ruling party and the government to ensure that President Tinubu holds on to power by any means necessary, even if it means subverting democracy and throwing the country into a crisis of immense proportions.

The party emphasised that the Constitution grants only INEC the power to register or de-register a political party. However, this judgment has flagrantly contradicted INEC’s position on affidavit and ignored a subsisting order of stay of proceedings of the Court of Appeal. The ADC therefore vowed to challenge the ruling through all lawful means, while urging its members to remain calm and await further directives.

The full statement read:

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) wishes to warn, in the strongest possible terms, against any attempt to use the judiciary as an instrument to undermine democracy and plunge Nigeria into a major political crisis.

We are deeply alarmed by the judgment reportedly delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a case filed by the so-called National Forum of Former Legislators seeking the de-registration of the ADC and four other political parties. This judgment stands in direct conflict with constitutional principles and all known judicial processes and procedures.

The facts are straightforward. The plaintiffs had argued that the ADC and four other political parties failed to satisfy constitutional requirements relating to continued registration. However, in its counter-affidavit filed before the court in May, INEC, the constitutional body empowered with the registration, regulation, and supervision of political parties in Nigeria, categorically maintained that the ADC had not violated any registration requirements, had not failed any constitutional electoral-performance threshold, and that no legally recognised basis existed for its de-registration.

INEC further made it clear that the de-registration of a political party cannot be driven by political pressure, sentiment, or the wishes of interested parties. It must be based strictly on constitutionally established grounds, none of which had been proven against the ADC.

Apart from INEC’s firm position in support of the party, the ADC finds it troubling that the trial judge was aware of a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal issued on May 22, 2026, directing a stay of proceedings on the matter. The judge, however, chose to flagrantly and contemptuously disregard a clear order of a superior court in a manner that brings into question all known judicial traditions.

The ADC considers this development not merely a legal dispute, but a dangerous escalation capable of destabilising the nation’s democratic process. Our position is anchored on the role that agents of the ruling party have played in this matter. It would be recalled that the case has been championed directly by individuals working with the President’s Chief of Staff. The decision of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, who is a second defendant in the matter, to join the matter as a plaintiff in April, is an absurdity, which sends a signal that is impossible to ignore.

We are therefore left in no doubt that this latest development is a continuation of the ruling party’s persistent efforts to undermine the opposition, especially the ADC. We also find the timing of this ruling quite curious. Despite all the obstacles placed in its way, the ADC has risen to the task and met all benchmarks and deadlines. Therefore, coming at a time when the party has concluded its primaries and is fielding candidates for all positions in the next election, especially the presidential election, it is clear what this is all about.

However, the ADC would like to warn that any attempt to eliminate the country’s major opposition party through judicial manoeuvring, thereby sabotaging the political aspirations of hundreds of its candidates, is a direct invitation to anarchy.

This is why we consider this ruling reckless, provocative, and even incendiary. Those who believe they can manipulate institutions of state to narrow the democratic space must understand that they are playing with forces far greater than partisan interests.

At a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling under crushing economic hardship, escalating insecurity, widespread unemployment, and growing national anxiety inflicted by the APC, it is deeply disturbing that powerful forces appear more interested in eliminating political opposition than confronting the real crises facing the country.

From our standpoint, the issue before the country is no longer simply about party registration. It is about whether the Nigerian people will be allowed genuine political choices in 2027. It is about whether democracy will remain a contest decided by voters at the ballot box or by powerful interests operating through institutions that ought to remain impartial.

Let it be clearly stated: the ADC will not stand by while the democratic rights of millions of Nigerians are threatened. We reject any and all attempts to intimidate, suppress, deregister, or politically extinguish our party and other opposition parties through means that offend both the spirit and the letter of the Constitution.

Nigeria is a nation of law, not a nation governed by the whims and caprices of agents of the ruling party. Therefore, as a law-abiding political party, the ADC will vigorously challenge this judgment through every lawful and constitutional avenue available to us. We shall mobilise all democratic stakeholders. We shall defend the rights of all our candidates, members, supporters, and the millions of Nigerians who are looking to the ADC as a credible alternative for national renewal.

Make no mistake, this is another act of desperation by the ruling party and the government to hand President Tinubu a second term without contest. This will not work. We therefore warn those who are seeking to manufacture a civilian dictatorship to understand that democracy cannot be strangled without consequences for national stability.

The responsibility for any tension or crisis arising from efforts to weaponise the judiciary against legitimate political opposition will rest squarely with those who are pursuing this dangerous and illegitimate path.

Meanwhile, the ADC will petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) over the judicial rascality demonstrated by the presiding judge of the Federal High Court, whose conduct has continued to bring the institution of the judiciary into disrepute.

We call on all our members, candidates, supporters, and coalition partners across the country to remain calm, vigilant, and steadfast. Whatever it takes, the ADC will be on the ballot so long as the 2027 election is to hold.

Further directives will be communicated through the appropriate channels.

Signed:

Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi
National Publicity Secretary
African Democratic Congress (ADC)

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Akobundu Hails Monday Ubani, SAN, as Legal Icon, Congratulates Him on PhD in Law Conferment

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5 days ago

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July 21, 2026

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The Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District, Senator Austin Akobundu, has described renowned legal luminary, Barr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN, as an icon of justice, a shining light in the legal profession, and a worthy example to generations to come.

Senator Akobundu stated this in his congratulatory message to Dr. Ubani on his conferment of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law by Babcock University at an official ceremony holding today, Tuesday, 22nd July, 2026, at the University’s campus in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.

He extolled the virtues of perseverance, determination, resilience, and excellence demonstrated by Dr. Ubani, SAN, in the pursuit of this academic height, noting that it sets him apart as an exemplary academic and brilliant lawyer whose advocacy for human rights and a better society has distinguished him in the legal profession.

While praying for God’s continued blessings upon him, Senator Akobundu wished him a successful award ceremony and greater heights in life.

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Abia Governor Alex Otti Pledges Full Support for UTME Star Michael Offorkaile, Who Scored 367

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5 days ago

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July 21, 2026

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Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has announced that the state government will provide support for the further education of Master Michael Offorkaile, the Abia-born student who scored 367 in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), ranking fifth highest nationally.

Governor Otti made the pledge on Monday when he received the high-performing student, his parents, and management of Grundtvig International Secondary School, Oba, Anambra State, at the Government House in Umuahia.

Congratulating the teenager on his exceptional performance, Otti said the state does not take academic excellence for granted and will celebrate its high achievers.

“We don’t take this for granted. The whole idea is to celebrate our own when they do well,” the governor stated. “As a government founded on meritocracy, we will not stop celebrating people who do well.”

Otti directed the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Emeh Uche, to work out the details of the support package for Offorkaile. He also asked his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr. Dodoh Okafor, to liaise with the student’s parents for necessary follow-up.

The governor encouraged the young scholar to aim even higher in his university education. “JAMB is the little roadblock you have to go through to now start a degree programme of four years. So, having been celebrated because you came first, we expect that you even do better as you go to the university,” he said.

He added: “As a state, we will support you. I believe that the details of the support will be worked out with the Commissioner for Tertiary Education. But I think what is most important is for you to know that your state is behind you.”

Prof. Uche Emeh Uche, who introduced the student, revealed that the governor personally directed her to locate Offorkaile and bring him to the state for proper recognition.

The Principal of Grundtvig International Secondary School, Mr. Ige Bello, and Offorkaile’s father, Mr. Odinaka Offorkaile, from Umunneochi Local Government Area, expressed that they were not surprised by the outstanding result, citing the student’s consistent academic brilliance.

They thanked Governor Otti for the honour and commended his commitment to education and good governance in Abia State.

In his response, Michael Offorkaile thanked the governor for the recognition and described him as a role model.

“I want to thank you for what you have done for me and my family, and also my school today. I will also try my best to keep performing, keep inspiring, and keep encouraging students from Abia and Nigeria,” the top scorer said.

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Ubani Raises Credibility Concerns Over NBA 2026 Elections Despite Congratulating Winners

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5 days ago

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July 20, 2026

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Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and legal practitioner, Dr. Monday Ubani, has congratulated the winners of the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) national elections while expressing serious concerns over the credibility and inclusiveness of the electronic voting process.

In a statement issued after the announcement of the election results, Dr. Ubani disclosed that, for the first time since becoming a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, he was unable to cast his vote despite making repeated attempts throughout the election period.

According to him, the major challenge stemmed from persistent technical failures, particularly the inability of the voting platform to deliver the One Time Password (OTP) required to complete the voting process. He explained that after several unsuccessful attempts, the platform eventually displayed the message, “This site can’t be reached,” effectively preventing him from participating before voting closed.

Dr. Ubani stated that his experience was not isolated, noting that his son, who is also a qualified lawyer and eligible voter, encountered the same difficulty. He further revealed that numerous colleagues and friends contacted him during the election to report similar experiences, with some even switching from mobile devices to laptops on the recommendation that computers offered better access to the platform. Despite those efforts, many reportedly remained unable to vote.

He argued that the widespread complaints suggest a systemic problem rather than isolated cases of technical inconvenience, stressing that an election which effectively disenfranchises a significant number of eligible voters cannot be regarded as completely free, fair, credible and inclusive.

The senior lawyer observed that the 2026 NBA elections generated remarkable interest among members of the legal profession, with many lawyers eager to participate because of the intense campaigns, mobilisation and expectations surrounding the contest. He described it as unfortunate that many willing and qualified voters were allegedly prevented from exercising their franchise due to technological failures beyond their control.

While acknowledging the concerns surrounding the process, Dr. Ubani maintained that his observations were not intended to diminish the victories of the successful candidates. He congratulated Mrs. Oyin Badejo-Okusanya, who emerged as the new President of the Nigerian Bar Association, as well as all other elected officers, wishing them a successful tenure dedicated to strengthening the legal profession, defending the rule of law and advancing the welfare of Nigerian lawyers.

He added that he believes Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya could still have secured victory even without the reported technical glitches, but insisted that the integrity of the electoral process must nevertheless be scrutinised. According to him, the legitimacy of any leadership is strengthened when genuine concerns about the process that produced it are openly acknowledged and addressed.

Dr. Ubani called on the incoming NBA leadership to demonstrate institutional courage by supporting a transparent review of the 2026 election. He urged the association’s electoral authorities to explain why many eligible voters reportedly failed to receive OTPs, why the voting platform became inaccessible to numerous members, the extent of voter disenfranchisement caused by the technical failures, whether adequate contingency measures were in place, and what reforms would prevent similar occurrences in future elections.

Drawing a parallel with Nigeria’s democratic history, Dr. Ubani recalled how the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua acknowledged the flaws in the 2007 general election and subsequently initiated electoral reforms. He argued that such openness did not weaken Yar’Adua’s administration but instead demonstrated a commitment to institutional improvement.

He further maintained that the questions being raised should not be interpreted as attacks on the newly elected officers but as issues central to the integrity and credibility of the Nigerian Bar Association. He noted that, as lawyers who regularly demand transparency, accountability and credible elections from public institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the NBA must equally subject its own electoral processes to the highest standards.

Dr. Ubani therefore called for a comprehensive post-election audit of the 2026 NBA elections, recommending that the findings be made public, all technological and administrative shortcomings identified and addressed, and stronger safeguards introduced well ahead of future elections. He stressed that electronic voting should serve as a tool for expanding participation rather than becoming an unintended barrier that disenfranchises eligible members.

Reiterating his congratulations to the winners, Dr. Ubani concluded that the inability of many eligible voters including himself, his son, colleagues and even one of the presidential candidates to participate because of reported technical failures raises fundamental questions about the fairness, inclusiveness and credibility of the election.

He urged the Nigerian Bar Association to treat the experience as an opportunity for reform, insisting that the process of correcting the identified shortcomings must begin immediately.

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