Adewole Adebayo, the presidential candidate for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), condemned the deregistration of several political parties as unconstitutional this week.
The move threatens to narrow the political landscape in Nigeria by removing multiple registered parties from the electoral process. This could limit voter choice and consolidate power among a few dominant political entities.
The dispute follows a June 2026 order from the Federal High Court, Abuja Division. The court ordered the deregistration of five parties: the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party, and ZLP [1].
Adebayo said the action violates constitutional requirements and undermines the development of democracy within the country. He specifically targeted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its role in the process.
"INEC is abusing its powers," Adebayo said [2].
To counter the court's decision, Adebayo has offered legal assistance to the affected parties to help them challenge the ruling. He said the deregistration process lacks the necessary legal grounding required by the Nigerian constitution.
While some reports focused primarily on the ADC and Accord parties, court documents indicate the order extends to all five organizations [1]. The legal battle now centers on whether the commission exceeded its authority in executing the deregistration of these political groups.
“"INEC is abusing its powers."”
The challenge by the SDP candidate highlights a growing tension between judicial oversight and the administrative powers of INEC. If the deregistration stands, it may signal a contraction of Nigeria's multi-party system, potentially marginalizing smaller political movements and altering the competitive dynamics of future national elections.
