Nigerian court orders deregistration of opposition parties A Nigerian court has ordered the deregistration of five opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing failure to meet constitutional registration requirements. The ruling, which prevents the parties from being recognized or participating in future elections, has been met with strong opposition from the ADC, which plans to challenge the decision. This deregistration dispute occurs ahead of the 2027 general election and follows a similar incident in 2020.

• A Nigerian court ordered the deregistration of five opposition parties: ADC, Accord Party, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, and Zenith Labour Party.
• The court ruled that these parties failed to meet constitutional requirements for continued registration, including electoral performance thresholds.
• The African Democratic Congress (ADC) intends to challenge the ruling, accusing the judge of being a ‘threat to democracy’ and disregarding a Court of Appeal order.
• The ruling could impact prominent political figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.
• This follows a 2020 incident where 74 parties were deregistered, a decision later upheld by the Supreme Court.
• The decision comes before the 2027 general election, a period that has historically been marred by violence and disputes in Nigeria.
• Nigeria’s broadcast regulator has also tightened media rules ahead of the 2027 elections.