ADC Rejects Deregistration Ruling, Vows to Remain on 2027 Ballot

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has assured party members and supporters that the party will participate in the 2027 general elections despite a Federal High Court judgment ordering its deregistration.

Reacting to the ruling delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Mark described the decision as a direct threat to Nigeria’s democratic system and expressed confidence that it would be overturned on appeal.

The former Senate President spoke on Monday while receiving a delegation of ADC candidates in Abuja, urging members not to lose faith in the party or its electoral prospects.

According to him, the judgment was inconsistent with an earlier decision of the Court of Appeal, which had reportedly ordered a stay of proceedings in the matter and adjourned further hearing to October 27, 2027.

Mark questioned the validity of the judgment, arguing that it could not stand while a subsisting order of a superior court remained in force.

“The judgment cannot stand. It will be set aside because it does not pass the test of law and due process. Our democracy must be protected from actions that seek to undermine the constitutional rights of political parties and the choices available to Nigerians,” he stated.

The ADC chairman described the ruling as “an arrow fired at the heart of Nigeria’s democracy” and maintained that the party would pursue all available legal remedies to challenge the decision.

He called on candidates, party officials and supporters across the country to remain calm and focused, insisting that there was no cause for panic.

“The ADC will be on the ballot in 2027. I assure all our candidates, members and supporters that this temporary setback will be overcome through the judicial process. We remain resolute and confident in the rule of law,” Mark said.

The assurance comes amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections and follows Monday’s court judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC alongside four other political parties for allegedly failing to meet constitutional electoral requirements.

Mark reaffirmed the party’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and providing Nigerians with what he described as a credible political alternative ahead of the next general elections.

The ADC leadership is expected to challenge the judgment at the appellate courts in the coming days.