Paul Ibe, an aide to former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has strongly criticized a Federal High Court ruling that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC and several other political parties.
Ruling Sparks Outrage
Reacting via X on Monday, Ibe described the judgment as an attempt to weaken opposition parties and push Nigeria toward a one-party state. He argued that the ruling should not have been delivered because an appeal on the matter is still pending before the Court of Appeal.
Justice Peter Odo Lifu had ordered the deregistration of the ADC, Accord Party, Action Alliance, Action People’s Party (APP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and others following a suit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators.
Allegations of Political Manipulation
Ibe accused the ruling party of trying to manipulate the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections. He warned that weakening opposition parties would undermine democracy and limit Nigerians' political choices. The aide emphasized that the court's decision, if allowed to stand, could set a dangerous precedent for the country's democratic process.
