Ruling overturns earlier deregistration attempt, affirms party’s legal status and leadership, and removes all barriers to ADC’s participation in the next general elections.

The camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has welcomed Tuesday’s judgment of the Court of Appeal, which nullified a Federal High Court ruling that attempted to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties.

Describing the verdict as a significant boost for Nigeria’s democracy, the Atiku Media Office said the ruling has effectively cleared the ADC to participate fully in the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued shortly after the judgment, the media office said the appellate court’s decision removes all legal uncertainties surrounding the party’s status. It added that, when combined with an earlier Federal High Court ruling affirming the leadership of the Senator David Mark-led National Executive Committee, the ADC now has no pending legal disputes over its structure or legitimacy.

“With this judgment validating the legal status of the ADC, alongside the earlier ruling affirming the David Mark-led executive, the party has successfully navigated all legal hurdles and is firmly on course for the 2027 general elections,” the statement said.

The group praised the Court of Appeal for overturning what it described as an erroneous decision by the lower court, commending the justices for upholding constitutional principles and safeguarding democratic values.

According to the statement, the appellate court held that the earlier Federal High Court judgment was invalid because it was delivered despite an existing order from the Court of Appeal. It also ruled that those who filed the suit lacked the legal standing to do so, describing their claims as speculative and without merit.

The court further clarified the interpretation of Section 225A of the Constitution, stating that it should be read disjunctively. It also noted that the case was filed prematurely, as election cycles in Osun and Ekiti states were still ongoing at the time.

The Atiku Media Office also pointed out that the appellate court criticised the trial court for disregarding affidavit evidence submitted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which confirmed that the ADC and other affected parties had met all constitutional and statutory requirements.

“Having accepted INEC’s evidence, the lower court had no basis to impose additional conditions, leading to what the Court of Appeal rightly described as a flawed decision,” the statement added.

Beyond the immediate implications for the ADC, the Atiku camp said the ruling reinforces democratic principles by protecting political diversity and ensuring fair competition.

“This is not just a victory for the ADC, but for every Nigerian who believes in open and competitive democracy. Political contests should be decided by voters, not curtailed by speculative litigation,” the statement said.

It also warned against attempts to use the judiciary or state institutions to sideline political opponents ahead of the 2027 elections, urging all stakeholders to respect democratic processes.

The judgment comes at a time of shifting political alliances, with the ADC emerging as a prominent opposition platform following the alignment of key figures, including Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President David Mark.