Timi Frank, former deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, said the recent Abuja High Court judgment deregistering the African Democratic Congress and political parties is a recipe for an incoming national crisis nationwide. 

Recall that Justice Peter Odo Lifu of the Federal High Abuja, in a ruling on Monday, had ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister the Democratic Congress, ADC, Accord Party, and others from participating in the 2027 general election. 

The judgment had stirred concerns among Nigerians. 

ADC, however, announced a plan to appeal the judgment. 

 Reacting to the judgment, Timi Frank, in a statement on Monday, said it was an attempt to eliminate major opposition platforms, noting that it could trigger a national crisis and undermine Nigeria’s democratic foundations.

He called on President Donald Trump of the United States and members of the international community to urgently intervene to preserve Nigeria’s multiparty democracy alive. 

“The judgment came suddenly without prior notice to the parties involved. From the information available to us, it appeared that the judgment had been prepared elsewhere and simply delivered by the court,” he alleged.

“Nobody knew about it. There was no information and no briefing, even to the lawyers representing the parties. The judgment was given suddenly. It was something they plotted and cooked up to make it look legitimate without even notifying the parties involved,” Frank alleged.

He described the ruling as a “mystery judgment.” Frank alleged that it was orchestrated to achieve a predetermined political outcome.

“From the information we received, the judgment was written elsewhere and handed to the judge. The Office of the Attorney General wrote the script, and the judge merely played out that script,” he alleged.

Frank further alleged that the reported move to deregister opposition parties was part of a broader campaign to weaken political opposition and consolidate power.

“It must be noted that any attempt by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and those working with him to deregister political parties, particularly major opposition parties such as the ADC, will give rise to a crisis that may be difficult to contain,” he said.

“The time has come for all lovers of democracy to rise in defense of the democratic gains Nigerians have fought hard to achieve. Silence in the face of these developments could have far-reaching consequences for the future of our country,” he said.

The governorship candidates of the Accord Party, Professor Jerome Nyameh and the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Alhaji Abubakar Tutare, in Taraba state, have dismissed concerns over a Federal High Court ruling ordering the deregistration of both parties alongside three others by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The development follows a judgment delivered on Monday in Abuja by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court which directed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to deregister the affected political parties over alleged non compliance with statutory requirements.

However, both candidates insisted that the ruling does not mark the end of their parties’ legal existence, stressing that higher judicial authorities still have the final say.

Reacting to the judgment, Accord Party governorship candidate, Professor Nyameh described the ruling as a first instance decision, arguing that it remains subject to appeal.

He maintained that the legal process is not concluded, noting that both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court remain available for review.

“The Federal High Court is just a trial court. There is the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court,” Nyameh said.

While urging party supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, he  expressed confidence in the continued political relevance of the Accord Party, insisting that it remains a viable platform for Nigerians.

Nyameh also referenced internal party strength, noting that the party has prominent political figures, including the sitting governor of Osun state, Ademola Adeleke, adding that preparations for future political activities within the party remain ongoing.

On his part, ADC governorship candidate, Alhaji Abubakar Tutare also rejected concerns that the court’s ruling would lead to the party’s collapse.

Tutare argued that the African Democratic Congress remains politically relevant, pointing to its representation in the House of Representatives as evidence of its continued legal and electoral standing.

He urged supporters not to panic, expressing confidence that the party would ultimately prevail if the matter progresses to the Supreme Court.

“We are not worried. We believe the Supreme Court will do justice in the end,” he said.

For now, both campaigns in Taraba State have urged supporters to remain focused on their political activities pending further legal clarification.